Name: Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls: Crispy & Cheesy Dinner Fun Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp ground cumin; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 lb ground beef or black beans; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; ½ cup salsa; ¼ cup sliced green onions; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; Optional: diced tomatoes, corn, jalapeños, olives

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Introduction

Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls are a fun and flavorful dinner option featuring crispy roasted potatoes topped with cheesy, savory ground beef or seasoned black beans. This dish brings together bold Mexican-inspired flavors for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

A bowl filled with four main layers is shown on a white marbled surface. One layer has browned, cooked ground meat with a crumbly texture on the left side. Next to it are several slices of golden-brown fried potato coins placed both at the top and bottom right of the bowl, topped with some chopped green herbs. In the middle top section, there is a layer of creamy yellow melted cheese sauce sprinkled with red flakes and green herbs. On the right side, chopped red tomatoes mixed with finely diced red onions and more chopped green herbs complete the bowl. Two lime wedges rest on the surface behind the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt & pepper to taste
1 lb ground beef or black beans
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
½ cup salsa
¼ cup sliced green onions
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Optional: diced tomatoes, corn, jalapeños, olives

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
Step 3: While the potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the taco seasoning and a little water as directed on the packet, then simmer until the mixture thickens. Alternatively, heat and season black beans for a vegetarian option.
Step 4: Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven and divide them into bowls. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot potatoes so it melts slightly.
Step 5: Top the cheesy potatoes with the seasoned ground beef or beans. Add optional toppings such as diced tomatoes, corn, jalapeños, and olives if desired.
Step 6: Finish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a spoonful of salsa, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Try swapping ground beef for black beans or grilled chicken for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a twist with natural sweetness.
Add extra heat with pickled jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
For a creamier texture, mix sour cream and salsa together before topping.

Storage

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the potatoes in the oven or skillet to keep them crispy, and gently heat the meat or beans on the stove or microwave. Assemble bowls fresh after reheating.

How to Serve

A beige bowl holds a colorful layered dish arranged in sections: bottom left has dark brown cooked ground meat with green herbs sprinkled on top, next to it are multiple golden brown fried potato slices with a crispy charred edge on the right and top, the top right section has bright red chopped tomatoes mixed with small purple onion pieces, and the center is topped with a creamy yellow cheese sauce garnished with bits of chopped green herbs and red chili flakes. The bowl sits on a wooden board with two lime wedges nearby, on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the ground beef for black beans or another preferred plant-based protein, and use vegetarian taco seasoning if needed.

How do I keep the potatoes crispy when reheating?

Reheat the potatoes in a hot oven or a lightly oiled skillet rather than the microwave to help restore their crispiness.