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Loaded Potato Taco Bowl Recipe

4.8 from 138 reviews

This Loaded Potato Taco Bowl combines crispy oven-baked or air-fried seasoned potatoes with a robustly spiced ground beef, fresh guacamole, and zesty tomato salsa. Topped with a Mexican cheese blend and served with lime wedges, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes
  • 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

Ground 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

Other

  • 2 cups (250 g) grated Mexican cheese blend
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: If oven-baking, preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced) for at least 20 minutes. If air-frying, preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Prepare Potatoes: On a large baking tray lined with parchment paper, toss the diced potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out evenly without overlapping, using two trays if needed.
  3. Bake Potatoes (Oven Method): Bake potatoes for 40–45 minutes until crisp and golden, turning once halfway through. Swap trays if using two to ensure even cooking.
  4. Air Fry Potatoes (Air Fryer Method): Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy at the edges.
  5. Cook the Beef Mixture: While potatoes cook, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add minced beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  6. Season the Beef: Stir in 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  7. Add Tomato Paste and Water: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until well combined. Pour in ¼ cup water and simmer over low heat for 3–4 minutes until most liquid evaporates.
  8. Make Guacamole: In a medium bowl, combine mashed avocados, ¼ bunch chopped coriander, ¼ red onion diced, juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  9. Make Salsa: In a medium bowl, mix diced tomatoes, ¼ bunch chopped coriander, ¼ red onion diced, juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir and refrigerate until serving.
  10. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the crispy potatoes among four bowls. Spoon the spiced beef mixture on top, sprinkle with 2 cups grated Mexican cheese. Add dollops of guacamole and salsa. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Notes

  • For extra melty cheese, use a blend that includes mozzarella or Monterey Jack and sprinkle it on the hot beef so it softens slightly.
  • Using two baking trays prevents overcrowding the potatoes, ensuring they crisp up nicely.
  • Air fryer cooking reduces total cooking time and uses less oil, offering a healthier alternative.
  • Adjust seasoning in guacamole and salsa to taste for optimum freshness and balance.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if preferred.

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