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
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
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
