Taco Potato Skillet

This Taco Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish made with crispy air-fried hash browns, savory taco-seasoned ground beef, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast, dinner, or as a taco filling with a drizzle of warm queso and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Taco Potato Skillet is an irresistible combination of crispy, golden hash browns, flavorful taco-seasoned beef, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for any time of day. The savory flavors of taco meat, along with the creamy queso and cilantro garnish, bring the dish together in a way that’s satisfying and fun to eat. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dinner, or as a filling for tacos, this skillet will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 16-ounce bag southern style hash browns (cubed frozen potatoes)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 pound ground beef

• ¾ cup water

• 1-ounce packet taco seasoning (can use low or no sodium)

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided use)

• ½ cup queso dip, warmed up (can use more if you prefer)

• Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnishing)

Directions

1. In a 6-quart air fryer, add the 16-ounce bag of southern style hash browns. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes.

2. Toss the potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown and fork-tender. Note: Air fryer times may vary, so check the hash browns regularly for doneness.

3. While the potatoes cook, brown and crumble 1 pound ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and the juices run clear. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.

4. Add ¾ cup water and 1-ounce packet taco seasoning to the beef. Stir and simmer over medium heat for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

5. Transfer the cooked hash browns to the skillet with the taco-seasoned beef. Mix until the potatoes are fully coated with the taco meat.

6. Add ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mixing until combined. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese. Cover with a lid and cook for 3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

7. Remove from heat and drizzle with ½ cup warmed queso dip. Garnish with chopped cilantro (optional).

8. Serve as-is or use as a filling for tacos. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can add a little extra queso dip or cheese for more creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply peel and cube them, then fry them in oil until golden brown and crispy before seasoning them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Can I make this dish with ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to beef. You can use lean turkey for a lighter version of this dish while maintaining the great flavors.

3. Can I make this Taco Potato Skillet vegetarian?

To make this vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute like lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or vegetarian crumbles.

4. How can I make this spicier?

To add more heat, you can include diced jalapeños, extra chipotle chili powder, or a drizzle of hot sauce over the finished skillet.

5. Can I use different cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Yes, you can substitute with cheddar, Mexican blend, or any cheese that melts well.

6. How do I serve this Taco Potato Skillet?

This skillet can be served as a standalone dish or used as a filling for tacos. You can also pair it with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the taco-seasoned beef and cook the hash browns ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply combine the beef and potatoes and melt the cheese for a quick and easy meal.

8. Can I use a different kind of potato?

You can use regular frozen diced potatoes or hash browns, but southern-style hash browns give the dish a unique texture that works perfectly with the taco-seasoned beef.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add bell peppers, onions, or corn to the skillet for extra flavor and texture.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative and skip the queso dip or use a dairy-free version of queso.

Conclusion

This Taco Potato Skillet is a fun, flavorful, and filling meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. With crispy hash browns, savory taco-seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a drizzle of warm queso, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether served on its own or used as a taco filling, this dish delivers all the delicious flavors of tacos in a hearty and satisfying skillet.

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