Name: Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (about 2 medium potatoes); 1 tbsp taco seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something irresistible about the Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl—a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that checks every box for excitement, ease, and robust flavor. Imagine golden potatoes soaking up just enough taco seasoning to sing with each savory forkful, tender beef nestled alongside melted cheddar, and a pop of fresh cilantro on top. If you crave a dinner that can be dressed up or down for weeknights or get-togethers, this dish will quickly become your go-to. Let’s dive into why you’ll want this on repeat in your kitchen!

Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item in this Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl brings something essential—think comforting texture, a hit of spice, bright color, or creamy richness. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you’re set to create a seriously satisfying meal bursting with flavor and homemade flair.

Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean to keep it hearty but not greasy; the beef soaks up the taco seasoning beautifully.
Yukon Gold Potatoes, Diced: These potatoes are creamy and hold their shape, giving each bite a slightly buttery note.
Taco Seasoning: Choose your favorite store-bought blend or go homemade—this is what infuses the entire bowl with smoky, peppery appeal.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts over the hot filling for that irresistible gooey finish and sharp tanginess.
Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: Provides seriously fresh color and a cool herbal contrast to the warm, hearty bowl.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it encourages those potatoes to develop that golden crust you’ll crave in every bite.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl

Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your diced Yukon Gold potatoes; spread them into a single layer and let them sizzle away. Stir occasionally and watch as they turn appetizingly golden and fork-tender—this usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes of patience. That crispy exterior is key to the Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl’s texture.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Push the golden potatoes to one side of your skillet so you have room to add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s thoroughly browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Try to let the beef sit for a minute or two undisturbed so it can develop deeper flavor before you stir.

Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning

Now comes the magic: sprinkle the taco seasoning over both the beef and potatoes. Fold everything together so all those spicy, smoky flavors mingle throughout the skillet. Let the mixture cook for another minute to ensure every bite is seasoned to perfection and the aromas are irresistible.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Generously scatter shredded cheddar over the entire skillet, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. The cheese will melt beautifully into the hot filling, pulling everything together with a luscious, tangled finish. Uncover when it’s thoroughly melted and gooey.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, shower your Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. It offers a burst of color and brightness that takes the dish to the next level. Serve the bowl hot and dig in!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl

Garnishes

Garnishes can make your Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl feel restaurant-worthy. Think extra cilantro, a sprinkle of diced red onions for zip, sliced jalapeños for heat, or a dollop of sour cream or salsa. Each option adds layers of flavor and eye-catching color, so don’t hesitate to mix and match based on your mood or your guests’ tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your taco bowl with some zesty sides: a crunchy slaw, charred corn on the cob, a scoop of guacamole, or warm tortillas all make perfect partners. If you want to keep things light, a crisp green salad balances the heartiness of the beef and potatoes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl in individual bowls for easy weeknight dinners, or double the recipe and present it family-style for a festive gathering. Layer it over fresh baby greens for a taco salad twist, fill mini taco shells for a party snack, or even stuff it into roasted bell peppers for a colorful presentation that’s always met with applause.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let the mixture cool before transferring, so you preserve its texture and keep every bite tasting fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the beef and potato mixture (without the cilantro garnish) into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for about two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—this helps maintain the potato texture and overall flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, reheat the Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen things up if needed. Alternatively, microwave covered in short bursts, stirring frequently to distribute the heat evenly. Add extra cheese and cilantro just before serving for that signature fresh touch.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes bring a touch of natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue to the Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl. Just keep in mind they cook a bit faster, so check for tenderness a few minutes earlier when sautéing.

What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat or even lentils. Most taco seasonings are vegetarian-friendly, and the other flavorful ingredients will still create a deliciously hearty dinner bowl.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning doesn’t contain any hidden wheat-based fillers. Always double-check your ingredient labels if you’re serving guests with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! Prepare the entire dish, cool, and portion into microwave-safe containers. It reheats beautifully and makes a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the week.

How do I customize the level of spiciness?

For a milder bowl, opt for a mild taco seasoning and skip fresh chilies or spicy garnishes. If you want extra kick, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or top with jalapeño slices before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find the Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl as comforting, flexible, and joyfully simple as I do. Whether you stick with the basics or dress it up your own way, this dish is bound to win hearts at your table. Give it a try tonight and let those bold, cozy flavors do the talking!

Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy a delicious and satisfying Ground Beef and Potato Taco Bowl that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This hearty dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese for a flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef:

1 lb lean ground beef

Potatoes:

2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (about 2 medium potatoes)

Seasoning and Garnish:

1 tbsp taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Additional:

2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Prepare Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Cook Ground Beef: Push potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef to the other side and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes.
Season and Combine: Stir in taco seasoning, combining with both beef and potatoes. Cook for an additional minute to blend flavors.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mixture; reduce heat to low and cover until cheese melts.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

You can customize this taco bowl with your favorite toppings such as salsa, avocado, or sour cream.
This dish pairs well with a side of refried beans or a fresh green salad.
Make sure to adjust the taco seasoning according to your spice preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican