Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

Name: Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs russet potatoes; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup crumbled queso fresco; 16 corn tortillas; 1 lb plum tomatoes; Vegetable oil for frying

Published: February 28, 2026

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-pleaser: These cheesy potato tacos are sure to impress friends and family at any gathering.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious tacos in no time.
Versatile: Customize your toppings and sauces to suit your taste, making each taco uniquely yours.
Comfort food: The creamy potato filling combined with the crispy shell is pure comfort in every bite.
Budget-friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet while still delivering great flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Blender
Tongs
Frying pan
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for cooking potatoes evenly until soft, allowing for perfect mashing.
Blender: Helps create a smooth sauce from tomatoes, garlic, and spices for a flavorful topping.
Frying pan: Necessary for frying the tacos to achieve that crispy texture everyone loves.

Ingredients

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

For the 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 Tacos

1 cup vegetable oil (for frying tacos)
16 corn tortillas

For the Sauce

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 and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add potatoes, reduce heat to medium, and cook until soft when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. While they cook, prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Trim the stem end off tomatoes, making a + sign on the bottom side of each. In a saucepan, boil tomatoes in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of cooking water. Peel tomatoes and transfer them to a blender. Add garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, and one cup of reserved cooking water. Puree until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

In the same saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add pureed sauce and let it cook for 1 minute. Add remaining cooking water; simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce and thicken. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Drain 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. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Warm Tortillas

Wrap tortillas in two batches with paper towels. Heat in microwave for 10 seconds or on a hot skillet until soft enough to avoid cracking. Lay each tortilla flat; fill half with approximately 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes. Fold in half gently.

Step 6: Fry Tacos

Heat oil in a frying pan until very hot—test by dipping an edge of a tortilla; it should sizzle if ready. Using tongs, fry four tacos at a time for about 2 minutes or until golden brown on both sides. Remove from oil and place on paper-towel-lined plates.

Step 7: Serve

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

Enjoy these delightful Cheesy Potato Tacos!

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

Cheesy potato tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in many ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

With Fresh Toppings

Queso Fresco: Crumbled cheese adds a creamy texture and a mild flavor that complements the tacos perfectly.
Shredded Lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the cheesy filling.
Salsa: A zesty salsa brings an extra kick and freshness, making each bite exciting.

As a Platter

Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with various toppings, so everyone can customize their tacos according to their preferences.
Accompanied by Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs well with the crispy tacos, adding richness and flavor.

With Dipping Sauce

Tomato Sauce: Serve with the homemade tomato sauce for added moisture and flavor in each bite.
Creamy Avocado Dressing: This tangy dressing can enhance the flavors of the tacos while providing a smooth texture.

How to Perfect Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

To ensure your cheesy potato tacos turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

bold Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality cheese will significantly improve the overall taste and texture of your tacos.
bold Ensure even frying: Maintain an even oil temperature to achieve golden-brown, crunchy tortillas without burning them.
bold Don’t overfill the tortillas: Using too much filling can cause tearing or make it difficult to fold; stick to about 2 tablespoons per taco.
bold Experiment with spices: Feel free to add extra spices like chili powder or cayenne for additional heat and flavor depth.
bold Keep tortillas warm: Wrap them in a cloth or keep them covered while you prepare other components to prevent them from drying out.

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

These cheesy potato tacos pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds a satisfying base alongside your tacos.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness; serve them as a dip or on the side.
Corn Salad: A light corn salad with lime dressing offers a sweet contrast and freshness that balances out the meal.
Grilled Veggies: Charred vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini add color and nutrients, enhancing your plate’s appeal.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a delightful appetizer before diving into the main dish.
Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage adds crunch and acidity, perfect for cutting through the richness of the tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa), it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

Not boiling the potatoes long enough: Ensure potatoes are soft before mashing. Undercooked potatoes will lead to a chunky filling.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your mashed potatoes adequately. A pinch of salt and spices enhances flavor significantly.
Overheating the oil: If the oil is too hot, it can burn the tortillas quickly. Test with a small piece of tortilla first; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when folded. Warm them up to ensure they are pliable and easy to work with.
Frying too many tacos at once: Frying too many at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy tacos. Fry in small batches for a perfect crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

Wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Microwave: Heat tacos on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds. Note that this may make them softer.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa), here are some common questions answered:

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

Are Cheesy Potato Tacos vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, packed with delicious flavors without any meat.

How do I make the filling spicy?

Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the potato mixture before mashing for an added kick!

What can I serve with Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)?

These tacos pair well with sides like Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I bake these tacos instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier option, brush them lightly with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) offer a delightful crunch filled with creamy goodness, making them perfect for any dinner table. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings and toppings according to your taste preferences. Try them today and enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love!

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