If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, savory, and cheesy all at once, this Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe will become your new go-to comfort food. Thick potato wedges seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic bake to crispy perfection before being loaded with rich, spiced ground beef, melted cheddar, and the freshest toppings. Every bite is bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that feel like a festive celebration on your plate. It is a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that combines familiar ingredients in a fun and hearty way, ideal for sharing with friends or family any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture without any fuss. From the tender russet potatoes to the vibrant green onions, every element plays a crucial role in making these Mexican Beef Wedges truly unforgettable.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base with plenty of richness and protein.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Infuses the beef with classic Mexican spices for authentic flavor.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps the seasoning blend into a thick, savory sauce for the beef.
- 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into thick wedges: The perfect starchy canvas, crisp on the outside and fluffy inside.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for crisping the potatoes and adding a silky richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the potato seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic note to the wedges.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly on top for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds cool creaminess and balances the spices.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Offers a fresh, tangy contrast to the savory beef and potatoes.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Adds a crisp, mild onion flavor and bright green color.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Brings a fresh, herbal lift that vibrant Mexican dishes thrive on.
How to Make Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Potato Wedges
First, preheat your oven to 425°F to get it nice and hot for crisping the potatoes. In a large bowl, toss your thick-cut russet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning blend will create a flavorful crust as they roast. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure they crisp evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wedges turn beautifully golden and crispy on the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Seasoned Ground Beef
While the potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown your ground beef. Cooking it thoroughly until no pink remains is key for safety and taste. Drain any excess grease for a leaner dish, then mix in the taco seasoning and water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly, coating every piece of beef with zesty seasoning.
Step 3: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
When your potato wedges are perfectly cooked, transfer them to a serving dish or leave on the baking sheet for easy cleanup. Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef over the top, then sprinkle a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface. Return the dish to the oven for about 5 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese into gooey deliciousness that pulls everything together.
Step 4: Add the Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven, top your cheesy beef wedges with cool dollops of sour cream and spoonfuls of salsa. Scatter sliced green onions for a crunch and pop of color, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro for that unmistakable Mexican flair. Serve these loaded wedges piping hot for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are what elevate this dish from tasty to truly spectacular. The sour cream adds luscious creaminess that balances the heat and seasoning. Salsa offers a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of beef and cheese. Green onions provide crunch and freshness, while chopped cilantro introduces a fragrant herbal note. Each garnish complements the other perfectly, creating a full-bodied flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe shines as a main dish by itself but also pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. Consider a crisp green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette to add freshness and contrast. Guacamole and extra salsa on the side invite customizable layers of flavor and texture. Even simple beans or Mexican street corn can round out the meal with authentic flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these wedges directly on a large platter encourages everyone to dig in and share, perfect for casual get-togethers. For a fiesta vibe, serve in individual cast-iron skillets or on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of garnishes and dips around. To impress at parties, try layering the beef and cheese on the wedges buffet-style so guests can build their own loaded potato wedge creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors develop even more after resting, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals. Just be sure to keep the garnishes separate if possible to maintain their freshness.
Freezing
While the potatoes may lose some crispness after freezing, you can freeze the cooked seasoned beef in a sealed container for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before assembling the dish with freshly baked potatoes and toppings.
Reheating
To bring leftover Mexican Beef Wedges back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warm and the cheese is melty again. Avoid using the microwave if possible since it can make the potatoes soggy. For extra crispness, place wedges on a baking sheet and broil for a minute or two at the end.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will still absorb all the delicious taco seasoning flavors, making your Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe just as tasty.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning mix?
If you’re without a packet, you can easily create your own blend using cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in similar proportions.
Can I make these wedges spicy?
Definitely add sliced jalapeños to the toppings or mix hot sauce into the salsa for an extra kick. Adjust the heat levels to your taste for a customized spicy treat.
Are sweet potatoes a good substitute?
Yes! Sweet potato wedges add natural sweetness and pair fabulously with the savory beef and spicy seasonings, creating a whole new flavor profile to enjoy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning mix is gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure, especially with pre-packaged seasonings and sauces.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dish that combines crispy potatoes, well-seasoned meat, and melty cheese, and this Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe hits every note perfectly. It’s approachable, delightfully flavorful, and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. I can’t recommend it enough for bringing a bit of fiesta flair to your table with minimal effort. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love it!
Print
Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mexican Beef Wedges are a delicious and hearty meal featuring crispy seasoned potato wedges topped with savory taco-seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese. Finished with dollops of sour cream, fresh salsa, green onions, and cilantro, this dish delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into thick wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Beef Topping
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the potato wedges to crispy perfection.
- Season the potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the cut potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake the potatoes: Spread the seasoned wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cook the beef: While the potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add seasoning to beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water into the cooked beef. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat.
- Combine wedges and beef: Once the wedges are done baking, transfer them to a serving platter or keep them on the baking sheet. Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef over the potato wedges.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef-covered wedges. Return the baking sheet or platter to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and top with sour cream, salsa, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef if preferred.
- For an extra kick of heat, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce on top.
- Sweet potato wedges can be used as an alternative to russet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
