Loaded Cheesy Taco Potato Skillet

A hearty, flavor-packed skillet meal made with crispy golden potatoes, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and classic taco spices. This comforting one-pan dinner is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal – Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
• Hearty & filling – Potatoes and beef make it satisfying.
• Cheesy comfort – Melted cheddar adds the perfect gooey finish.
• Customizable toppings – Make it your own with favorite add-ons.
• Quick & easy – On the table in 35 minutes or less.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 5 small to medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes

Directions

Cook the Potatoes:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10–15 minutes until golden and fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.

Brown the Beef:

4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
5. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Add Seasoning & Potatoes:

6. Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet.
7. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to combine.
8. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Melt the Cheese:

9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
10. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low for 2–3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and gooey.

Serve:

11. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or diced tomatoes.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Swap Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers or corn with the onion.
• Southwest Style: Top with black beans and avocado slices.
• Low Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, diced frozen potatoes work well and save time—just adjust cook time slightly.

What type of cheese is best?

Cheddar melts beautifully, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a taco blend.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based crumbles or beans in place of the beef.

How do I keep the potatoes from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook them until golden before adding back to the skillet.

Can I bake this instead of skillet cooking?

Yes, assemble in an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes to melt cheese.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use a gluten-free taco seasoning.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a large skillet or two pans and increase ingredients proportionally.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, cook the beef and potatoes ahead, store separately, then reheat and assemble.

What sides go well with this?

A side salad, cornbread, or Mexican rice pairs great.

How do I make it creamier?

Stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese before topping with shredded cheese.

Conclusion

This Loaded Cheesy Taco Potato Skillet is a no-fuss, crave-worthy dish that brings all your favorite taco flavors into one cozy, cheesy skillet. Whether for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together, it’s bound to be a hit with the whole family.

Loaded Cheesy Taco Potato Skillet

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

One-pan cheesy taco potato skillet with golden potatoes, seasoned beef, and melty cheddar—a quick, comforting dinner packed with Tex-Mex flavor!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 5 small to medium potatoes, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes

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Instructions

• Cook the Potatoes:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  • Add diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10–15 minutes until golden and tender, stirring occasionally.

  • Remove potatoes and set aside.

• Brown the Beef:

  • In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.

  • Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

• Add Seasoning & Potatoes:

  • Return cooked potatoes to the skillet.

  • Stir in taco seasoning and mix well. Cook for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.

• Add Cheese:

  • Sprinkle cheddar over the top.

  • Cover skillet and cook on low for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is fully melted.

 

• Serve:

  • Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or diced tomatoes.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if desired.
• Add canned black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
• Great for taco night or as a filling nacho-style base!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American