Loaded Potato Taco Bowl Recipe
Introduction
This Loaded Potato Taco Bowl combines crispy seasoned potatoes with spiced ground beef, fresh guacamole, and zesty salsa for a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for anyone craving the comfort of tacos in a bowl format. Ready in under an hour, it’s a great choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients
- 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 (for potatoes)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for beef)
- 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
- 2 avocados, mashed with a fork
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped (for guacamole)
- ¼ red onion, finely diced (for guacamole)
- Juice of 1 lime (for guacamole)
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes (for guacamole)
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (for guacamole)
- 2 tomatoes, finely diced (for salsa)
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped (for salsa)
- ¼ red onion, finely diced (for salsa)
- Juice of 1 lime (for salsa)
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes (for salsa)
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (for salsa)
- 2 cups (250 g) grated Mexican cheese blend
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced for at least 20 minutes. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp sea salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Spread the potatoes evenly on the baking tray without overlapping.
- Step 3: Bake for 40–45 minutes until crisp and golden, turning them once halfway through. If using two trays, swap their positions halfway through baking.
- Step 4: While the potatoes bake, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened.
- Step 5: Add the minced beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Step 6: 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 pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, then add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until well combined.
- Step 7: Pour in ¼ cup water and simmer on low for 3–4 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.
- Step 8: In a medium bowl, combine the mashed avocados, ¼ chopped coriander, ¼ diced red onion, juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 9: In another medium bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, ¼ chopped coriander, ¼ diced red onion, juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper for the salsa. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 10: To serve, divide the roasted potatoes among bowls. Top with the spiced beef, sprinkle with grated cheese, then add dollops of guacamole and salsa. Serve with lime wedges if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra melty cheese, sprinkle it on the warm potatoes immediately after baking and cover the bowl for a few minutes before serving.
- Air fry the potatoes at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway, if you prefer a quicker or oil-saver method.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or hot sauce to the beef for some heat.
Storage
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beef and potatoes in a skillet or oven until warmed through. Guacamole and salsa are best served fresh but can be kept chilled for up to 24 hours. Avoid reheating guacamole to maintain its texture and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and salsa up to a day in advance. Potatoes are best freshly cooked for optimal crispness. Guacamole is best made just before serving to prevent browning.
What’s the best potato type for this dish?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work well because they become crispy on the outside while staying tender inside after baking.
Print
Loaded Potato Taco Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Loaded Potato Taco Bowl is a delicious and hearty dish featuring crispy oven-baked or air-fried seasoned potatoes topped with a flavorful spiced ground beef, fresh guacamole, zesty salsa, and a generous sprinkle of melted Mexican cheese blend. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal that combines textures and bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
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
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
- 2 cups (250 g) grated Mexican cheese blend
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: If baking potatoes, preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced for at least 20 minutes. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Potatoes for Baking: 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 on a lined baking tray. Spread evenly without overlapping. Use two trays if needed.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway through. Swap trays if using two. Bake until golden and crispy.
- Air Fry Potatoes (Alternate Method): Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Cook Onions for Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped red onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add minced beef to the pan, cook for 3–4 minutes breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add Spices: 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. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Tomato Paste and Water: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add ¼ cup water and simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes until most liquid evaporates.
- Make Guacamole: In a bowl, combine mashed avocados, chopped coriander, diced red onion, lime juice, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Make Salsa: Combine diced tomatoes, chopped coriander, diced red onion, lime juice, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper in a bowl. Stir and refrigerate until serving.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the crispy potatoes into bowls. Top with the cooked beef mixture, sprinkle with grated Mexican cheese, then add dollops of guacamole and salsa.
- Serve: Offer lime wedges on the side for extra zest. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra melty cheese, use a cheese blend with high moisture and meltability like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Cooking potatoes in batches in the air fryer prevents overcrowding, ensuring they crisp properly.
- Swap between oven baking and air frying based on time and equipment availability without compromising crispness.
- Adjust seasoning levels based on personal preference, especially salt and pepper.
- This recipe serves 4 people with roughly two medium potatoes per person.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: Loaded potato taco bowl, loaded potato bowl, ground beef taco bowl, Mexican potato bowl, spiced beef and potatoes, guacamole salsa bowl

