Beef and Potato Tacos
Crispy fried potatoes and savory ground beef come together in this classic Tex-Mex taco filling. It's a hearty, budget-friendly meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, ready in under 40 minutes and sure to be a family favorite.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Fry the Potatoes
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Carefully add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Be cautious of splattering oil.
- d.Fry for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked potatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Beef and Aromatics
- b.Add the ground beef to the same skillet (with the remaining oil). Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned.
- c.Carefully drain off any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet for flavor.
- d.Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and optional jalapeño to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season and Simmer the Filling
- b.Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
- c.Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well to combine everything.
- d.Gently fold the fried potatoes back into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a low simmer.
- e.Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. Avoid over-stirring to keep the potatoes intact.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Warm Tortillas and Assemble Tacos
- b.While the filling simmers, warm the corn tortillas. You can heat them one by one in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or char them carefully over a low gas flame with tongs.
- c.Spoon a generous amount of the beef and potato filling into each warm tortilla.
- d.Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy potatoes, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat them completely dry with paper towels before frying.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when frying potatoes. If necessary, cook them in two batches to ensure they get crispy instead of steaming.
- 3Toasting the spices for a minute before adding liquids is a crucial step that 'blooms' their flavor, making the filling much more aromatic.
- 4Use a potato masher to gently break up the ground beef in the pan for a finer, more uniform texture.
- 5This filling is excellent for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the beef and double the potatoes. Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans along with the tomato sauce for a hearty vegetarian version.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Sauté diced bell peppers (any color) or corn kernels along with the onions for extra vegetables and sweetness.
Cheese UpgradeCheese Upgrade
Instead of cheddar, try using more traditional Mexican cheeses like crumbled cotija, queso fresco, or shredded Oaxaca cheese.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
Beef is a significant source of heme iron, a type that is more easily absorbed by the body than iron from plant sources. Iron is crucial for forming red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the potatoes offer a steady release of energy, helping to keep you full and energized for longer periods.
Frequently asked questions
Each taco, including the filling and common toppings like cheese and sour cream, contains approximately 210-240 calories, depending on the exact amount of toppings used.