Description
Loaded Potato Taco Bowl is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring crispy oven-baked or air-fried potatoes topped with a spiced ground beef mixture, fresh guacamole, zesty salsa, and melted Mexican cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this recipe combines crunchy textures with creamy and fresh toppings for a delicious and colorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes (about 2 medium potatoes per person)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Beef Mixture
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef (regular or lean)
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
Guacamole
- 2 avocados, mashed with a fork
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Salsa
- 2 tomatoes, finely diced
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Toppings and Serving
- 2 cups (250 g) grated Mexican cheese blend
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: If baking the potatoes, preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced) for at least 20 minutes. If air frying, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Potatoes: On a large baking tray lined with baking paper, toss the diced potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp sea salt flakes, and ¼ tsp black pepper until well coated. Spread the potatoes out evenly to avoid overlapping. Use two trays if needed.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake in the oven for 40–45 minutes or until crisp and golden, turning once halfway and swapping trays if using two. Alternatively, air fry the potatoes in a single layer for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway until golden and crispy on the edges.
- Cook Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add ½ red onion and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened. Add the minced beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Season Beef: Stir in 1 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp sea salt flakes, and ¼ tsp black pepper, cooking for 30 seconds to release the spices’ aroma.
- Add Tomato Paste and Simmer: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until well combined. Pour in ¼ cup (60 ml) water and simmer over low heat for 3–4 minutes, allowing most of the liquid to evaporate.
- Make Guacamole: In a medium bowl, combine mashed avocados, ¼ bunch chopped coriander, ¼ red onion, lime juice, ½ tsp sea salt flakes, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir well and refrigerate covered until serving.
- Make Salsa: In another medium bowl, mix diced tomatoes, ¼ bunch chopped coriander, ¼ red onion, lime juice, ½ tsp sea salt flakes, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and refrigerate covered until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide baked or air-fried potatoes evenly among four bowls. Top each with the beef mixture followed by a generous sprinkle of grated Mexican cheese. Add dollops of guacamole and salsa. Serve with lime wedges on the side if desired.
Notes
- For extra melty cheese, use a cheese blend with good melting properties such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Air frying the potatoes reduces cooking time and gives a crispy texture without extra oil.
- You can prepare the guacamole and salsa ahead of time and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- If using lean beef, you may need to add a little more oil to prevent sticking while cooking.
- Serve with additional lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
