If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing with friends or family, look no further than this sensational Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe. Picture crispy, golden potato wedges seasoned with a smoky, fragrant blend of spices and topped generously with savory, spiced taco beef. The combination of tender meat and satisfyingly crispy potatoes, accompanied by vibrant toppings like fresh avocado and zesty salsa, turns a simple comfort food into an unforgettable fiesta on your plate. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold Mexican flavors paired with hearty, rustic eats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that each play an important role. From the smoky spices that coat the wedges to the juicy, flavorful taco meat, everything works together to create layers of texture and taste you’ll want to savor with every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky warmth that elevates both the potatoes and meat.
- Ground cumin: Provides an earthy, slightly nutty undertone key to authentic Mexican flavor.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle, aromatic punch that enhances the overall savoriness.
- Chili powder (optional): Offers a gentle heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp the wedges to golden perfection while carrying the spices evenly.
- Potatoes (with skin): The hearty base that crisps on the outside and stays fluffy inside.
- Sea salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Cooking oil: For sautéing the taco meat ingredients until tender and fragrant.
- Brown onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant color.
- Garlic cloves: Freshness and aroma that make the dish irresistible.
- Ground beef mince: The protein-packed, hearty centerpiece of the topping.
- Beef broth or stock: Enhances richness and keeps the taco meat juicy.
- Salt and pepper: Perfect seasoning to round out the taste.
- Optional garnishes: Green onions, fresh coriander, sour cream, tomato salsa, sweet chili sauce, avocado, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese — all fantastic for personalizing your masterpiece.
How to Make Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Spice the Potato Wedges
Start by preheating your oven to 400℉ (200°C) and greasing a large baking sheet to prevent sticking. Cut your washed potatoes into 8 wedges each, keeping the skins on for that wonderful rustic flair and extra texture. Toss your wedges in a lively mixture of smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and olive oil. Make sure every wedge gets a generous coating so they bake up with crispy, flavorful exteriors.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Arrange the seasoned wedges evenly on the baking sheet, then sprinkle with a couple pinches of sea salt. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, turning once if you like, until they’re perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is nothing short of mouthwatering.
Step 3: Cook the Taco Meat
While the wedges are baking, heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions and red bell peppers until the onions turn translucent and soft. Add crushed garlic, letting its fragrance bloom for about a minute. Introduce the ground beef, seasoning with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper as you brown it, breaking up any clumps. Pour in beef broth or stock to add moisture and richness, letting everything simmer for a minute or two.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once your wedges come out of the oven crisp and hot, spoon the savory taco meat generously over them. This moment where crispy meets spicy, topped with juicy, tender beef, is pure bliss. Get ready to add your chosen garnishes and enjoy!
How to Serve Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are what really make this dish pop visually and flavor-wise. Fresh green onions add a bit of mild sharpness, while chopped fresh coriander brings vibrant herbal notes that balance the richness. Creamy sour cream offers a cool, tangy contrast to the smoky spices. Avocado cubes provide luscious creaminess, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese melts perfectly over the warm meat and wedges. If you like a little zing, add some tomato salsa or sweet chili sauce for extra dimension.
Side Dishes
Though the Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe is a hearty meal on its own, pairing it with simple sides can round out your spread beautifully. A crisp green salad or a lightly dressed cabbage slaw offers crisp freshness. For something heartier, a bowl of refried beans or Mexican rice works perfectly to complement the boldness of the beef and potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like making a fun dinner party centerpiece? Serve these wedges layered in a big, colorful platter where everyone can help themselves to toppings. Alternatively, use the taco beef and wedges to fill tortillas for an inventive twist, or layer baked wedges, taco meat, and toppings in individual small cast iron skillets for an impressive individual presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them separate from any fresh garnishes will help maintain the best textures.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked taco meat separately in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. The potato wedges don’t freeze as well due to texture changes but can be reheated from refrigerated leftovers.
Reheating
Reheat wedges in an oven or air fryer at 350℉ (175°C) to regain crispiness. Warm the taco meat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Reassemble just before serving to keep garnishes fresh.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes offer a lovely sweetness that works beautifully with the smoky spices, just keep an eye on baking times as they cook a bit faster.
Is ground beef the only meat option?
No way! You can switch to ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
How spicy is this dish?
The chili powder is optional and mild, so this recipe is generally gentle on the heat. You can always add more chili or a dash of hot sauce if you want it spicier.
Can I prepare the taco meat in advance?
Yes, the taco meat can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. It’ll save time, making the final assembly quick and easy.
What’s the best way to get crispy wedges?
Using the skin-on potatoes, tossing them well in olive oil, and baking at a high temperature ensures the best crispiness. Turning them once during baking helps cook them evenly too.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into a fiesta of flavor and texture. Whether you’re settling in for a casual night or impressing friends at your next gathering, these wedges with spicy taco meat and fresh toppings will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delicious combination in your cooking rotation!
Print
Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Mexican Beef Wedges are a flavorful, satisfying dish featuring crispy oven-baked spiced potato wedges topped with smoky, seasoned ground beef taco meat. Perfect for a casual dinner or a party platter, they combine easy-to-make oven-roasted potatoes with a quick stovetop meat filling and a variety of fresh, tangy toppings to customize to your taste.
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), 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 ¼ 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.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for the potato wedges.
- Cut Potatoes into Wedges: On a chopping board, cut each medium potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into two, and then into two again, resulting in 8 wedges per potato. Arrange all the wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Mix and Toss Spices with Potatoes: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, optional chili powder, and olive oil. Pour this mixture over the potato wedges and toss well using your hands to coat evenly.
- Season and Bake Wedges: Sprinkle the potatoes with 2 pinches of sea salt, then place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the wedges are tender inside and crisp on the outside.
- Cook Taco Meat – Sauté Vegetables: While the wedges bake, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes transparent.
- Add Garlic and Sauté: Add crushed garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef with Spices: Add the ground beef mince to the skillet along with smoked paprika and ground cumin. Use a spatula to break up the meat and mix all the flavors thoroughly as you cook until the meat is browned evenly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth or stock, stir well, and let it simmer for one more minute to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the wedges are roasted, spoon the taco meat over them while still hot. Serve immediately with optional toppings such as sliced green onion, fresh coriander, sour cream, tomato salsa or sweet chili sauce, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese for a customizable and delicious meal.
Notes
- Leave the potato skin on for extra texture and nutrients.
- Chili powder is optional and can be adjusted for preferred heat level.
- Broth or stock adds depth but can be substituted with water and stock powder if needed.
- Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based mince for variation.
- For crispier wedges, make sure they are arranged in a single layer without overlapping on the baking sheet.
- Use a non-stick spray or brush the baking sheet with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Customize toppings to your liking for added freshness and flavor.
