Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the taco seasoning.
- Place the potato cubes in a large bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and about half of the taco seasoning. Toss well until all potatoes are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp at the edges and tender inside.
- While the potatoes roast, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir the remaining taco seasoning into the beef, along with a splash of water if the pan is very dry. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then taste and adjust salt or chili to your liking.
- If using black beans as well, add them to the skillet in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking to warm through and coat with the spices.
- Prepare the fresh components: shred the lettuce, dice the bell pepper, chop the tomatoes, and roughly chop the cilantro. If using corn from a can, drain it well; if using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry.
- Let the roasted potatoes cool completely on the baking sheet so no steam gets trapped, which would soften them.
- Assemble the meal prep bowls: divide the roasted potatoes evenly among 4 airtight containers as the base.
- Top each container with a portion of the taco beef and beans, then add corn, bell pepper, and tomatoes in separate sections over the potatoes.
- Keep lettuce, yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, and any optional toppings (salsa, jalapeños, avocado) in separate small containers so they stay fresh and don’t make the bowls soggy.
- Seal all containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For serving, reheat the potato and protein portion in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until hot, then add the cold fresh toppings and a squeeze of lime just before eating.
Notes
For extra-crispy potatoes, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary so the cubes can roast instead of steam.
You can use leftover boiled potatoes: toss with oil and seasoning and roast 12–15 minutes at high heat until edges are crisp.
Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce at the table.
For a lighter bowl, skip the cheese and use yogurt instead of sour cream; for a vegetarian version, replace the beef entirely with beans or tofu.
Store sauces and juicy toppings (salsa, tomatoes, yogurt) separately and add after reheating to prevent the potatoes from getting soggy.
You can use leftover boiled potatoes: toss with oil and seasoning and roast 12–15 minutes at high heat until edges are crisp.
Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce at the table.
For a lighter bowl, skip the cheese and use yogurt instead of sour cream; for a vegetarian version, replace the beef entirely with beans or tofu.
Store sauces and juicy toppings (salsa, tomatoes, yogurt) separately and add after reheating to prevent the potatoes from getting soggy.
