If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy taco night, this Taco Loaded Potato Bowl is the answer! It combines crispy Yukon gold potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and fresh toppings like pico de gallo and creamy guacamole. This meal is full of flavor and perfect for a hearty dinner or a weekend treat. The best part? You get to build your bowl just the way you like it. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Method in Detail
Prepare the Pico and Guacamole
The first step is to make your fresh toppings. Start by preparing the pico de gallo. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped jalapeño. If you want a milder flavor, make sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeño before dicing it. Add in the chopped cilantro, squeeze in the juice of half a lime, and sprinkle with salt to taste. Mix everything well and set it aside in the fridge to chill while you move on to the next steps. Now, for the guacamole, take your ripe avocados and mash them in a bowl. Once smooth, stir in the diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until it’s well combined, and set this aside in the fridge as well.
Prep the Potatoes
Next, let’s get the potatoes ready! Start by washing and drying your Yukon Gold potatoes. Once clean, cut them into small cubes. Place the potato cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle your taco seasoning over the potatoes, making sure each piece is well-seasoned. Spread the potatoes evenly onto a lined baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes. Be sure to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to get that perfect crispy texture on all sides.
Cook the Ground Beef
While the potatoes are roasting, it’s time to cook the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with a spatula into smaller pieces. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, add the taco seasoning to the pan. If you prefer a more flavorful and moist beef mixture, you can add a splash of water or broth. Stir the beef and seasoning mixture together, letting it cook for another 8-10 minutes until it’s fully combined and the flavors have melded together. Keep an eye on the beef to ensure it doesn’t dry out adding a little extra moisture can help keep it juicy.
Assemble the Bowl
Once your potatoes are done and have cooled for a few minutes, it’s time to assemble your taco-loaded potato bowl. Start by placing a generous portion of the crispy, seasoned Yukon Gold potatoes at the bottom of each bowl. Next, add the flavorful ground beef on top of the potatoes. Spoon the fresh pico de gallo and guacamole onto the beef. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. Finish off the dish with some fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Necessary Tools
- Baking sheet
- Large bowl for potatoes
- Large skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon for mixing
- Serving bowls
Taco Loaded Potato Bowl: A Delicious Twist on Taco Night
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes35
minutes50
minutesIngredients
1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes – these potatoes are perfect for roasting and hold up well with the toppings.
1 lb lean ground beef (93/7) – lean beef gives this bowl a hearty base without too much grease.
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – for coating the potatoes before baking.
Taco seasoning of choice – I used @GrillinWithDad’s seasoning, but feel free to use your favorite.
Pico de Gallo:
1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 small jalapeño, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 1/2 a lime
Salt to taste
Guacamole:
2 medium avocados
1/2 cup diced red onion
Juice of a lime
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Garlic powder to taste
Salt to taste
Additional Toppings:
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro
Directions
- Prepare the pico and guacamole: Start by prepping your fresh toppings. For the pico de gallo, mix together the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. For the guacamole, mash the avocados and stir in red onion, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Set both in the fridge to chill.
- Prep the potatoes: Wash and dry your Yukon gold potatoes, then dice them into small cubes. In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil and taco seasoning until well coated. Spread them evenly on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
- Cook the ground beef: While the potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Once browned, mix in taco seasoning (add more if needed) and a splash of water or broth for extra moisture. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble your bowl: Once the potatoes are done and slightly cooled, it’s time to build your taco-loaded potato bowl! Start with the crispy potatoes, top with seasoned ground beef, and then add your pico de gallo and guacamole. Finally, sprinkle with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning: Taco seasoning can be quite strong, so make sure to taste and adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Cooking time for potatoes: Potatoes vary in size, so be sure to check them halfway through and give them a quick stir for even baking.
- Ground beef moisture: If the ground beef starts to dry out while cooking, add a small amount of water or broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
This Taco Loaded Potato Bowl is perfect for a fun dinner with family or friends. You can serve it with a side of chips and salsa for a more complete taco night experience. It also pairs wonderfully with a refreshing iced tea or limeade. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try swapping the beef for grilled chicken or a plant-based protein!
Fun Fact
Did you know that Yukon Gold potatoes are known for their buttery flavor and creamy texture? They’re often used for mashing, but they’re also perfect for roasting! These potatoes hold up well to the hearty taco toppings and add a rich taste to each bite.
Conclusion
The Taco Loaded Potato Bowl is a fun and flavorful meal that combines the best of both worlds tacos and potatoes! With the crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, and fresh toppings like pico de gallo and guacamole, this dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s customizable, quick to prepare, and perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy building your bowl and adding your favorite toppings!
