Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

These Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, featuring a crispy exterior and a creamy, cheesy filling that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving a tasty snack, these tacos satisfy with their rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these tacos are perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of spices and cheese creates a savory filling that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or at gatherings—they’re sure to please everyone!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time and reheat for quick meals throughout the week.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like salsa or lettuce to elevate the dish according to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Frying pan
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling potatoes evenly, ensuring they cook through without browning.
• Blender: Perfect for making a smooth sauce quickly, enhancing the flavor profile of your dish.
• Frying pan: Essential for frying the tacos until golden brown and crispy.
• Tongs: Make flipping and removing the tacos from hot oil safe and easy.

Ingredients

These cheesy potato tacos are crunchy on the outside and filled with a creamy mix of mashed potatoes, cheese, and spices.

For the Taco Filling

• 2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt (divided)
• 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup queso fresco (crumbled)

For Frying

• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying tacos)

For the Sauce

• 16 corn tortillas
• 1 lb plum (roma) tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

How to Make Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes. Reduce heat to medium and cook until soft when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Trim off the stem end of each tomato. Make a + sign on the bottom. Boil tomatoes in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of this water. Peel the tomatoes, place them in a blender with garlic, cumin, oregano, pepper, salt, and one cup of reserved cooking water. Puree until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

In the same saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Pour in the blended sauce and let it cook for about 1 minute. Add in the remaining cooking water and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Step 4: Mash Potatoes

Drain cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, remaining tablespoon salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and queso fresco. Mash everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Prepare Tortillas

Wrap tortillas in two batches with paper towels. Heat them in the microwave for 10 seconds or on a hot skillet until soft enough to avoid cracking.

Step 6: Fill Tacos

Lay each tortilla flat and fill half with about 2 tablespoons of mashed potato filling. Fold in half gently.

Step 7: Fry Tacos

Heat oil in a frying pan until very hot (test by dipping an edge of tortilla; it should sizzle). Carefully fry four tacos at a time for about 2 minutes or until golden brown on both sides using tongs to turn them as needed. Remove from oil onto paper towels.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your cheesy potato tacos with sauce or toppings such as queso fresco, shredded cheese, iceberg lettuce, pico de gallo, or salsa.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy Cheesy Potato Tacos!

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

These cheesy potato tacos are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with various toppings and side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Fresh Toppings

• Queso Fresco: Crumbled cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the tacos.
• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, melts beautifully over the hot tacos.
• Iceberg Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the tacos.

Salsas and Sauces

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a rich contrast to the spicy flavors in the tacos.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile.

Accompaniments

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime and spices pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture of tacos.
• Radishes: Sliced radishes add a peppery crunch that enhances each bite.

How to Perfect Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

To achieve the perfect cheesy potato tacos, here are some essential tips to consider while preparing this delightful dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh potatoes and tomatoes to enhance flavor and texture in your tacos.
• Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your frying oil is hot enough before adding tacos; this prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Use just enough filling to allow for easy folding without tearing the tortillas.
• Mash Thoroughly: Make sure your potato mixture is well-mashed for a smooth filling that holds together when fried.
• Double Fry for Crispiness: If you prefer extra-crispy tacos, consider frying them twice for an added crunch.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices or add new ones like chili powder or coriander for a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

Pairing sides with cheesy potato tacos can create a complete meal. Here are some fantastic options that go well with this dish.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices makes a great base to accompany your tacos.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and complement the flavors of cheesy potato tacos beautifully.
3. Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad mixed with lime juice, cilantro, and diced peppers adds brightness to your meal.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender offer a smoky flavor that balances out the richness of the tacos.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make an excellent appetizer before diving into your main dish.
6. Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and lime adds crunch and freshness alongside the heavy tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Not seasoning the potatoes adequately: Make sure to add enough salt and spices when mashing the potatoes. Taste as you go to ensure a flavorful filling.
• Using cold tortillas: If the tortillas are cold, they can crack when folded. Warm them up in the microwave or on a skillet before filling.
• Overfilling the tacos: While it may be tempting to add lots of filling, overstuffed tacos can burst while frying. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes per taco.
• Skipping the cooling process: Letting the oil heat properly is crucial. If it’s not hot enough, your tacos will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Not adjusting cooking time for different stoves: Cooking times can vary depending on your stove’s heat output. Keep an eye on your tacos to prevent burning or undercooking.
• Forgetting to blend the sauce well: A smooth sauce enhances the overall dish. Ensure that you blend it until there are no tomato chunks left.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow tacos to cool completely before sealing them.

Freezing Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

• Freeze tacos in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be kept for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until heated.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding tacos one at a time for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa), here are some common questions and their answers.

Can I make Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and fry the tacos.

What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?

Queso fresco is traditional, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar for different flavors.

How do I make these tacos spicier?

To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or chipotle pepper into your potato mixture or serve with spicy salsa.

Are there vegetarian options for toppings?

Absolutely! You can top these tacos with avocado, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or fresh cilantro for added flavor without meat.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes will give your tacos a unique flavor profile and sweetness that pairs well with cheese.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) offer a delightful crunch along with creamy filling that’s hard to resist. Their versatility allows you to customize them easily with different toppings or fillings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8 (16 tacos) 1x

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Description

Enjoy crispy Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) filled with creamy goodness! Try this delicious recipe today for an unforgettable meal!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt (divided)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup queso fresco (crumbled)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying tacos)
• 16 corn tortillas
• 1 lb plum (roma) tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes. Reduce heat to medium and cook until soft when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
2. Trim off the stem end of each tomato. Make a '+' sign on the bottom. Boil tomatoes in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of this water. Peel the tomatoes, place them in a blender with garlic, cumin, oregano, pepper, salt, and one cup of reserved cooking water. Puree until smooth.
3. In the same saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Pour in the blended sauce and let it cook for about 1 minute. Add in the remaining cooking water and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
4. Drain cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, remaining tablespoon salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and queso fresco. Mash everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Wrap tortillas in two batches with paper towels. Heat them in the microwave for 10 seconds or on a hot skillet until soft enough to avoid cracking.
6. Lay each tortilla flat and fill half with about 2 tablespoons of mashed potato filling. Fold in half gently.
7. Heat oil in a frying pan until very hot (test by dipping an edge of tortilla; it should sizzle). Carefully fry four tacos at a time for about 2 minutes or until golden brown on both sides using tongs to turn them as needed. Remove from oil onto paper towels.
8. Serve your cheesy potato tacos with sauce or toppings such as queso fresco, shredded cheese, iceberg lettuce, pico de gallo, or salsa.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg