Name: Mexican Beef Wedges
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Wedges:; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder, optional; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 6 medium scrubbed and washed potatoes or 5 large, leave skin on; 2 pinches sea salt; Taco Meat:; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 1 medium brown onion, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 pound ground beef mince; 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ cup beef broth or stock, or 1/4 cup water mixed with 1 teaspoon Vegeta or beef stock powder; 1 pinch salt and pepper, to taste; To Serve (Optional):; 2 stems green onion/scallions, finely sliced; ¼ cup fresh coriander, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons sour cream; Tomato salsa OR Sweet chili sauce; 1 avocado, peeled and diced; Diced tomatoes; Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Mexican cheese blend, etc.)

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Crispy potato wedges topped with flavorful Mexican-spiced beef create a mouthwatering meal that combines comfort food with zesty taco flavors. These Mexican Beef Wedges deliver the perfect combination of textures and tastes—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with a savory, smoky beef mixture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Mexican Beef Wedges are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining two favorites—crispy homemade potato wedges and savory Mexican-spiced ground beef. The wedges are seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin for a robust flavor, while the beef topping brings hearty satisfaction. It's versatile enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining friends. This recipe offers a complete meal on one plate, with customizable toppings that let everyone create their perfect bite. Plus, it's more economical than takeout but delivers restaurant-quality flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potatoes form the foundation of this dish, creating those perfect crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside wedges. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, while medium to large potatoes work best for creating substantial wedges.

Smoked paprika contributes a deep, savory smokiness that elevates both the wedges and the taco meat. It's the secret ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive character.

Ground cumin adds an earthy, warm flavor that's essential to authentic Mexican taste profiles. It works beautifully with both the potatoes and beef components.

Garlic powder infuses the wedges with aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have when baked at high heat.

Olive oil helps the spices adhere to the wedges while promoting that desirable golden crispiness during baking.

Ground beef provides a protein-rich topping that becomes the star of the dish when seasoned with Mexican spices. Choose lean ground beef for less fat without sacrificing flavor.

Onion and bell pepper add sweetness, texture, and nutritional value to the beef mixture. They create a classic sofrito base that enhances the overall dish.

Fresh garlic brings a pungent flavor to the beef that complements the dried garlic powder used on the wedges.

Beef broth adds moisture and depth to the taco meat, creating a light sauce that clings to the meat rather than making it soggy.

Optional toppings like green onions, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese allow for customization and add freshness, creaminess, and additional flavors that complement the spiced beef and potatoes.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Cut each potato into 8 wedges by halving lengthwise, then halving each piece twice more.
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), and olive oil.
Arrange potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, pour the spice mixture over them, and toss well with your hands to coat evenly.
Season with salt and bake for 45 minutes until the wedges are tender inside and crisp outside.
While the wedges bake, prepare the taco meat by heating oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sauté diced onion and bell pepper until the onion becomes translucent, then add crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef, smoked paprika, and cumin to the skillet. Break up the meat while cooking until it's browned throughout.
Pour in beef broth, simmer for a minute to combine flavors, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
When the wedges are done, top them with the taco meat and add your choice of toppings: green onions, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, sweet chili sauce, avocado, tomatoes, or shredded cheese.
Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6 people generously. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, while cooking requires approximately 1 hour, bringing the total time to 1 hour and 15 minutes. It's perfect for a weekend family dinner or when entertaining guests. You can prepare components ahead of time to streamline the process if needed.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternative, black beans, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and walnuts seasoned with the same spices.

Sweet Potato Wedges: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a nutritional boost and slightly sweet contrast to the savory beef.

Spicy Kick: Double the chili powder in both the wedges and beef mixture, or add diced jalapeños to the beef for those who enjoy extra heat.

Mediterranean Twist: Replace the Mexican seasonings with oregano, basil, and thyme, then top with ground lamb and finish with feta cheese and tzatziki.

BBQ Variation: Add barbecue sauce to the beef mixture and top with coleslaw for a fusion of Mexican and American flavors.

Breakfast Version: Top the wedges with the beef mixture, then add a fried egg on top for a hearty brunch option.

Loaded Nachos Style: Layer the wedges in a baking dish, top with the beef mixture and shredded cheese, then bake until the cheese melts before adding cold toppings.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the beef mixture and wedges separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef will keep for up to 3-4 days, while the wedges are best consumed within 2 days.

Freezing: The beef mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. The potato wedges don't freeze well as they'll lose their crispiness.

Reheating Wedges: For best results, reheat wedges in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.

Reheating Beef: Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.

Meal Prep: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and freeze in portion sizes. You can also cut the potatoes ahead of time and store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQs

Can I make these wedges without peeling the potatoes?

Yes, leaving the skin on is actually recommended in this recipe. The skin contains nutrients and helps the wedges maintain their shape while adding a nice textural contrast. Just be sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them.

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal for wedges because of their starchy content, which creates a fluffy interior. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well if you prefer a slightly creamier texture with a buttery flavor.

Can I prepare any components of this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! The taco meat can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and refrigerated. The potatoes can be cut into wedges and stored in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your beef broth and any pre-packaged seasonings to ensure they don't contain hidden gluten ingredients.

What's the best way to achieve crispy wedges?

For maximum crispiness, make sure to arrange the wedges in a single layer with space between them on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting. Also, the high temperature (400°F/200°C) is crucial for developing that golden crust.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Increase the chili powder in both the wedge seasoning and beef mixture, or add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef while cooking. You can also serve with hot salsa or hot sauce as a topping.

What can I use instead of beef for a vegetarian version?

Black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well as vegetarian alternatives. Season them exactly as you would the beef for similar flavor profiles.

Can I cook the wedges in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry the seasoned wedges at 380°F (193°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. You might need to work in batches depending on your air fryer's capacity.

What sides pair well with Mexican Beef Wedges?

A simple green salad, corn on the cob, or Mexican-style rice complement these wedges nicely. Since the dish itself is quite substantial, lighter sides work best.

How can I tell when the wedges are done baking?

The wedges should be golden brown on the outside and easily pierced with a fork when done. If in doubt, test one by cutting it open—it should be fluffy inside with no hard or raw spots.

Conclusion

Mexican Beef Wedges bring together the best of two worlds: crispy, seasoned potato wedges and flavorful Mexican-spiced ground beef. This versatile dish easily transitions from casual family dinner to entertaining centerpiece, with a customizable topping bar that allows everyone to create their perfect plate. The combination of textures—crispy potatoes, juicy meat, and fresh toppings—creates a satisfying meal that delivers on both comfort and flavor. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or explore one of the variations, these loaded wedges will surely become a requested favorite in your household. The next time you're craving something that's both familiar and exciting, give these Mexican Beef Wedges a try—they're certain to satisfy and impress in equal measure.