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Fiesta Taco Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.1 from 40 reviews

This Fiesta Taco Potato Skillet is a flavorful and hearty dish combining crispy air-fried seasoned potatoes with spiced ground beef, melted Colby Jack cheese, and warm white Queso, garnished with fresh cilantro and optional taco toppings. It’s a vibrant, easy-to-make skillet meal perfect for a festive taco night with the comforting twist of potatoes.

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 2 1/2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika

Taco Skillet

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried cilantro
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups microwaved white queso
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and wash the russet potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Season Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well coated for a flavorful base.
  3. Air Fry Potatoes: Arrange the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes. Shake the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure crisp and even browning.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Season it with salt, black pepper, cayenne, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and dried cilantro. Brown the beef thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease once cooked.
  5. Add Garlic to Beef: Stir in the minced garlic with the browned beef and cook for an additional minute until fragrant and well combined.
  6. Combine and Add Cheese: Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the beef and mix gently. Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Melt Cheese in Oven: Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts completely.
  8. Add Queso and Garnish: Pour the warm white queso over the skillet mixture, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and add any desired taco toppings such as sour cream, taco sauce, or Pico de Gallo. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
  • Use a microwave-safe bowl to warm the white queso before pouring it over the skillet.
  • Shaking the air fryer basket multiple times ensures the potatoes cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
  • Serve with additional taco toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, or chopped onions for extra flavor and texture.