If you’re craving something that brings all the vibrant, zesty flavors of Mexico right into your kitchen, this Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe is a celebration of spice, texture, and wholesome goodness. Crispy, seasoned potato wedges form the perfect base for richly spiced ground beef that’s been sautéed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Each bite bursting with smoky paprika, cumin, and garlic will have you coming back for more, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or relaxed gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, flavorful ingredients is the key to creating this mouthwatering dish. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, from the crispy, herb-infused wedges to the hearty, savory beef topping.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a deep, smoky undertone that defines the bold flavor of the dish.
- Ground cumin: Essential for that warm, earthy aroma that complements the beef perfectly.
- Garlic powder: For a subtle, fragrant garlicky kick that enhances every bite.
- Chili powder (optional): Provides a mild heat to balance the smoky spices.
- Olive oil: Helps the potatoes achieve that crisp golden crust while adding richness.
- Potatoes (medium or large, skin on): Their natural starchiness makes for perfectly crispy, fluffy wedges.
- Sea salt: To season and bring out the natural flavors of both potatoes and beef.
- Cooking oil: For sautéing the vegetables and ground beef smoothly.
- Brown onion and red bell pepper: Add sweetness and color to the beef mixture.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh crushed garlic enhances the overall savoriness.
- Ground beef mince: The protein star that carries the spice blend.
- Beef broth or stock: Injects moisture and depth into the taco meat.
- Optional toppings: Green onions, fresh coriander, sour cream, tomato salsa, sweet chili sauce, avocado, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese to personalize your dish.
How to Make Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Potato Wedges
Begin by preheating your oven to 400℉ (200°C) and greasing a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Carefully cut each potato into eight even wedges, keeping the skin on for extra texture and flavor. Toss these wedges in a mixture of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder if you like a little heat, and olive oil. Make sure every wedge is evenly coated because these spices create that irresistible crispy crust. Arrange them in a single layer and bake for 45 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and crisp outside but tender inside.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat
While the wedges roast, prepare the aromatic beef topping. Heat cooking oil in a skillet and sauté diced brown onion and red bell pepper until soft and fragrant. Add the crushed garlic and cook for just a minute so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Next, introduce your ground beef along with smoked paprika and ground cumin; breaking up the meat as it browns lets those spices mingle beautifully. Pour in some beef broth or stock and let the mixture simmer briefly to develop its rich, hearty flavor. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble Your Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
Once the wedges are perfectly roasted, transfer them onto serving plates and generously spoon the spiced beef mixture over the top. This step unites all the flavors and textures, turning simple spuds and seasoned beef into a satisfying feast.
How to Serve Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really elevate the dish to the next level. Sprinkle finely sliced green onions and chopped fresh coriander for a pop of color and that signature, bright herbal note you expect from Mexican-inspired cuisine. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, cutting through the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a fresh tomato salsa or sweet chili sauce to add a pleasant tang or subtle sweetness. Creamy avocado chunks and diced tomatoes complement the hearty wedges nicely, making every bite more interesting and indulgent. For cheese lovers, a shred or two of your favorite melting cheese works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a fun sharing platter by arranging the wedges and beef on a large board, with separate bowls of garnishes and sauces. This invites everyone to build their perfect bite. You can also serve it in individual bowls layered like nachos, which is a crowd-pleaser for informal gatherings or game day snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the beef and potato wedges separately in airtight containers to keep the textures fresh. The wedges will stay firm and the beef retains its flavor for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, especially the taco meat. Freeze the beef in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Potato wedges can also be frozen but may lose some crispiness upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the wedges in the oven or air fryer to regain their crisp texture, and warm the beef gently on the stovetop or microwave before combining. This method ensures your leftovers taste almost as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold work well for wedges, holding their shape and crisping nicely, but Russets are classic for that fluffy interior and crisp crust.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute regular paprika with a tiny pinch of liquid smoke or chipotle powder for smokiness, but smoked paprika really brings a deep, authentic flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice is mild by default, thanks to the optional chili powder. You can easily adjust it to your heat preference by adding more chili or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, lentils, or a plant-based mince and season similarly for a satisfying meat-free version.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including roasting and prepping the meat, making it a relaxed weekend meal or special dinner option.
Final Thoughts
The Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe offers a fantastic way to infuse your dinner with bold, smoky flavors and hearty textures that will win over any appetite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate that’s easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try and let those wonderfully spiced wedges become a new favorite in your meal rotation!
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Mexican Beef Wedges Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delicious Mexican Beef Wedges featuring seasoned crispy potato wedges baked to perfection and topped with flavorful spiced ground beef. This hearty dish is complemented with fresh toppings like avocado, sour cream, cheese, and salsa, making it a perfect family-friendly meal packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
For the 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, with skin on
- 2 pinches sea salt
For the 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.
- Cut Potatoes into Wedges: On a chopping board, cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into halves again, and once more to make eight wedges per potato. Arrange these wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the Wedges: In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), and olive oil. Pour this mixture over the potato wedges and toss with your hands to coat them evenly.
- Season and Bake: Lightly sprinkle the wedges with sea salt, then bake them in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until they are tender inside and crispy outside.
- Prepare Taco Meat – Sauté Vegetables: While the wedges bake, heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook until the onion becomes transparent. Add crushed garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef mince to the skillet along with smoked paprika and ground cumin. Break up the meat and cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and well combined with the spices.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth or stock (or water with stock powder), then let it simmer for about 1 minute to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the potato wedges are baked, spoon the seasoned taco meat evenly over them. Serve immediately with optional toppings such as green onion, fresh coriander, sour cream, tomato salsa, sweet chili sauce, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can flip the wedges halfway through baking.
- Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best texture.
- Adjust chili powder quantity based on your spice preference.
- Use gluten-free stock or broth if preparing for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
