Name: Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 4–5 medium russet potatoes, peeled & sliced ¼” thick; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tsp onion powder; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp chili powder; 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15); 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (use ¾ for meat, ¼ reserved); 1 taco seasoning packet (about 1 oz); ½ to 1 cup water or beef broth; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp chili powder; 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated; Juice of 1 lime; 1 Roma tomato, diced; Chopped fresh cilantro (small handful); Reserved ¼ chopped raw onion; Hot sauce (e.g., Taco Bell sauce); Optional: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or guacamole

If you’re on the lookout for a dish that perfectly balances comfort and bold flavors, look no further than Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls. This delightful recipe features golden roasted potatoes topped with taco-seasoned ground beef, a delectable cheese sauce, and a variety of fresh toppings. Whether you’re planning a family meal or a fun gathering with friends, these Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls will satisfy your cravings for hearty comfort food. With the right blend of seasonings and textures, every bite is a flavor-packed fiesta!

Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls serve as a fantastic canvas for customization. You can load them with your favorite toppings, making them as unique as your palate desires. From spicy jalapeños to creamy avocado or cooling sour cream, this recipe allows you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. Not only are these bowls a treat for the taste buds, but they’re also simple to prepare, ensuring that you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious food with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowl

Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy potatoes, savory beef, and creamy cheese delivers a rich flavor experience.
Easy to Customize: Top with your favorite ingredients for a personalized dish everyone will love.
Comforting and Satisfying: This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or serving at gatherings.
Quick to Prepare: Minimal prep time with major flavor payoff makes this recipe a winner.
Versatile Meal: Enjoy as a main dish or an impressive side at barbecues and parties.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the delicious preparation of Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls, it’s essential to get your kitchen ready for success. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure crispy potatoes. You’ll need a few indispensable kitchen tools for this recipe: a sharp knife, cutting board for slicing potatoes, large mixing bowl, and parchment-lined baking sheets for roasting. Don’t forget a skillet for cooking the taco meat and a saucepan for making the cheesy sauce. Having everything prepped and close at hand will streamline your cooking process. It ensures you can focus on layering flavors and creating a hearty meal without any hitches!

Ingredients

4–5 medium russet potatoes, peeled & sliced ¼” thick
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tsp chili powder
1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (use ¾ for meat, ¼ reserved)
1 taco seasoning packet (about 1 oz)
½ to 1 cup water or beef broth
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp chili powder
8 oz mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Juice of 1 lime
1 Roma tomato, diced
Chopped fresh cilantro (small handful)
Reserved ¼ chopped raw onion
Hot sauce (e.g., Taco Bell sauce)
Optional: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or guacamole

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes

Kick off your culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s warming up, take those freshly sliced potatoes and toss them in a large bowl with olive oil and the array of seasonings. Make sure each potato slice gets a nice coating of flavor! Once coated, spread the potatoes out on parchment-lined baking sheets in a single layer. This step allows them to roast evenly and develop that desired crispiness. Bake them for a total of about 45 minutes, flipping every 15 minutes to ensure they get golden and crispy all over. After the first baking, if you’d prefer them even crispier, increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

While your potatoes are roasting away, it’s time to focus on the beef. Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding the ground beef along with three-quarters of the chopped onion. Cook the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is browned. This tasty step enriches the flavor of your dish. After browning, drain excess grease to keep the meal from becoming heavy or oily.

Step 3: Add Seasoning

Now for the magic! Stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water or beef broth. This will create a savory sauce that clings to the meat deliciously. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens up nicely.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, along with the salt, pepper, and chili powder, cooking for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Let this simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, off the heat, stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy. This sauce is the luscious heart of your Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls!

Step 5: Assemble Bowls

It’s time for the fun part—assembly! Start by dividing the crispy roasted potatoes into bowls. On top of the potatoes, add a hearty serving of the taco meat. Then, generously drizzle over the cheese sauce that you’ve just prepared. The key is to get all that deliciousness all over those potatoes!

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

To elevate your bow as well as the flavors, squeeze the juice of a fresh lime over the top of your creation. Sprinkle diced Roma tomato, chopped cilantro, reserved onion, and a hearty dash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch. Don’t hesitate to personalize your dish with optional toppings like sour cream, Greek yogurt, jalapeños, or creamy avocado. Enjoy!

Variations

Protein: Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for additional texture and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with different seasonings such as cumin or smoked paprika for a unique twist.

Cooking Notes

To save time, you can prep the ingredients in advance, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Soups or broths are great alternatives for adding moisture to the taco meat; try a zesty chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
Ensure the potatoes are cut evenly to ensure uniform cooking, leading to the perfect crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal.
Pair with tortilla chips and salsa for a fun appetizer at parties!

Tips

Using fresh, high-quality cheese will elevate the flavor of your cheese sauce.
If you’re short on time, you can opt for pre-cooked meats or store-bought cheese sauce.
String cheese can be used as a fun topping for kids.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 615
Protein: 36g
Sodium: 850mg

FAQs

Can I make Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the components in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just assemble and heat everything when you are ready to eat!

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make these bowls vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with lentils, beans, or grilled vegetables and use a plant-based cheese.

Can I freeze the Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls?

While the potatoes can be frozen after cooking, it’s best to assemble the bowls fresh to maintain texture and flavor.

What toppings do you recommend for Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls?

Some of the best toppings include avocado, sour cream, hot sauce, and any kind of salsa! Feel free to swap in ingredients you love!

Conclusion

Loaded Fiesta Potato Bowls are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and a burst of flavors to any meal. The crispy potatoes, savory beef, creamy cheese, and the fresh toppings create a hearty meal full of tastes and textures that everyone will crave. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and find your perfect combination. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below, let us know your favorite topping combination, and be sure to share this delightful recipe with your friends and family!