These Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) are a delightful fusion of crispy shells and creamy, cheesy potato filling. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these tacos offer a comforting taste that pleases everyone. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, they are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos are universally loved, making them a perfect dish for gatherings.
- Flavorful Filling: The creamy mashed potato mixture is infused with spices and cheese for an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure a hassle-free cooking experience, even for beginners.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings such as pico de gallo or shredded cheese.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Any remaining tacos can be easily reheated for a quick meal.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Cheesy Potato Tacos, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Frying pan
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly until soft.
- Blender: Creates a smooth sauce from tomatoes and spices, enhancing flavor.
- Frying pan: Allows for even frying of the tacos, giving them that perfect crispy texture.
Ingredients
These cheesy potato tacos are crunchy on the outside and filled with a creamy mix of mashed potatoes, cheese, and spices.
For the Potato 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 the Sauce
- 1 lb plum (roma) tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Frying Tacos
- 16 corn tortillas
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying tacos)
How to Make Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Bring a large pot of water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add potatoes and turn the heat to medium. Cook until soft when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Trim the stem end off tomatoes and make a + sign on the bottom of each. In a saucepan, boil tomatoes in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of cooking water. Peel tomatoes, transfer to a blender, and add garlic, cumin, oregano, pepper, salt, and one cup of cooking water. Puree until smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
In the same saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add sauce and let it cook for 1 minute. Add the reserved cooking water and simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce and thicken. Set aside.
Step 4: Mash the Potatoes
Drain potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, remaining tablespoon salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and cheese. Mash until combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Prepare Tortillas
Wrap tortillas in two batches with paper towels. Heat in microwave for 10 seconds or on a hot skillet until soft and pliable to avoid cracking. Lay each tortilla flat and fill half with about 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes. Fold in half gently.
Step 6: Fry the Tacos
Heat oil in a frying pan until very hot (dip edge of tortilla; if it sizzles, it’s ready). Using tongs, carefully fry four tacos at a time for about 2 minutes or until golden brown on both sides. Remove from oil onto a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 7: Serve
Enjoy your cheesy potato tacos with sauce or toppings of choice such as queso fresco or pico de gallo!
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)
Cheesy potato tacos are a delightful dish that can be customized in various ways. Whether you prefer them simple or loaded with toppings, there are endless possibilities to enhance your taco experience.
Fresh Toppings
- Queso Fresco: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top for a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Add your favorite shredded cheese for an extra cheesy bite that melts beautifully.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the tacos.
Salsas
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brightens up the flavors of the tacos.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa made from tomatillos that pairs perfectly with cheesy potato tacos.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a rich layer of flavor and pairs wonderfully with the crispy tacos.
Creamy Sauces
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the spicy elements of your dish.
- Chipotle Sauce: Drizzle some chipotle sauce for a smoky kick that enhances the overall taste.
How to Perfect Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)
Perfecting your cheesy potato tacos involves some simple tips that elevate their taste and texture. Follow these suggestions for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh potatoes and spices to maximize flavor.
- Mash Thoroughly: Ensure potatoes are well mashed to create a smooth filling that holds together when fried.
- Heat Oil Properly: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; test it by dipping a tortilla edge—if it sizzles, you’re ready!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Warm Tortillas First: Softening tortillas makes them pliable, preventing cracks when filled and folded.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add different spices or vegetables into your filling for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)
Pairing side dishes with your cheesy potato tacos can enhance the meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that complements the richness of the tacos; perfect for soaking up sauces.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and balance out the meal, making it more satisfying.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing adds sweetness and crunch to your plate.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a great appetizer while you enjoy your tacos.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies add color and nutrition, pairing well with the creamy filling of the tacos.
- Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of cheesy potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa), it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Not boiling potatoes properly: Make sure the potatoes are soft enough when pierced with a fork. This ensures they mash well, creating a creamy filling.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your mashed potatoes! Adding garlic, cumin, and paprika enhances the flavor and makes your tacos more delicious.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many tacos at once can lower the oil temperature. This leads to soggy tacos instead of crispy ones. Fry in small batches for optimal crunch.
- Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when folded. Warm them in a microwave or on a skillet until soft for easy handling.
- Neglecting to prepare sauces: A good sauce can elevate your tacos. Take time to make or select a flavorful sauce that complements the cheesy potato filling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cheesy Potato Tacos in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)
- Freeze uncooked or cooked tacos in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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 about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes until warm, but be cautious as they may become soggy.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place tacos in the skillet for about 3-5 minutes on each side until heated thoroughly and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) that might help you!
How do I make Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian, simply omit any meat ingredients and focus on using cheese and veggies in your filling.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavors in your Cheesy Potato Tacos.
What can I serve with Cheesy Potato Tacos?
These tacos pair wonderfully with side dishes like guacamole, salsa, or Mexican rice. You can also add toppings like shredded lettuce or diced tomatoes.
How long does it take to prepare these tacos?
The total time for making Cheesy Potato Tacos is around 40 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. They’re versatile enough to customize with different toppings or sauces according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them at dinner or as a snack, these tasty tacos are sure to impress!
Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)
Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) are a mouthwatering delight that combines the crispy texture of corn tortillas with a rich, creamy potato filling. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these tacos are easy to make and sure to impress. The comforting blend of spices and cheese in the mashed potato filling creates an irresistible flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more. Customize your tacos with fresh toppings or salsas for an extra burst of flavor. Each bite is a delicious fusion of textures that makes these tacos a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 (16 tacos total) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup queso fresco
- 16 corn tortillas
- 1 lb plum tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying tacos)
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft, about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the tomato sauce by boiling tomatoes, then blending them with garlic and spices until smooth.
- Cook the sauce in a saucepan until thickened.
- Mash the potatoes with butter, spices, and cheese until well combined.
- Warm tortillas and fill each with mashed potato mixture before folding.
- Fry tacos in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with your choice of toppings or sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (130g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, omit any meat ingredients and add more cheese or vegetables to the filling. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.