1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Season the Beef: Stir in 1 packet (1 ounce) of taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens slightly. Set aside.

For the Potatoes:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub 4–6 medium Russet potatoes and slice them thinly (about ¼ inch thick). Alternatively, use a spiralizer or mandoline slicer for uniform slices.
2. Layer in a Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the potato slices in the bottom of the dish.
3. Add the Taco Mixture: Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the layer of potatoes.
4. Top with Remaining Potatoes: Cover the beef with the remaining potato slices.

For the Cheese & Baking:

1. Cover and Bake: Pour ½ cup of water around the edges of the dish (this helps steam the potatoes). Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Add Cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve Hot:

Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sour cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 90% lean or higher to reduce grease while maintaining flavor.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding black beans, corn, or jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the layers ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.

Why Everyone Will Love It

Cheesy Taco Potatoes bring together two beloved comfort foods—tacos and potatoes—into one irresistible dish. The creamy cheese, spiced beef, and perfectly cooked potatoes create a harmonious blend of flavors that’s satisfying and fun to eat. Whether served at game night, potlucks, or family dinners, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delightful, and these Cheesy Taco Potatoes prove it. With their rich, cheesy goodness and bold taco flavors, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired dishes. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy this cheesy, savory masterpiece!

Ready to try it? Share your photos and feedback in the comments below—we’d love to see how your Cheesy Taco Potatoes turned out! 🍠🧀✨