Smokey Mexican Beef Wedges: Your New Go-To Family Dinner Recipe
Imagine a vibrant skillet bursting with authentic Mexican flavors: perfectly seasoned, crispy potato wedges piled high with savory Mexican Taco beef mince, fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado, cool sour cream, and any other topping your heart desires! These **Smokey Mexican Beef Wedges** are more than just a meal; they’re an experience, and they’ve quickly become a massive family hit in our home, guaranteed to disappear in minutes!
That inviting picture? That’s exactly how we serve it in our household. A generously loaded skillet takes center stage on the table, and within moments, it’s surrounded by eager diners. It’s a true feast for the senses, with everyone digging in until only the faint aroma of delicious seasoning remains. This dish isn’t just about eating; it’s about shared moments and pure enjoyment.
Why These Smokey Mexican Beef Wedges Are a Must-Try
Our love for Mexican cuisine runs deep, and these Smokey Mexican Beef Wedges are no exception. We’ve explored everything from the comforting Chicken and Corn Enchilada Bake, which we affectionately call a “Mexican Lasagna,” to the decadent Steak Fajita Grilled Cheese. These were all good times, filled with flavor and fun. So, when the family collectively started craving tacos, a delightful dilemma arose.
Should I revisit one of our beloved classics, whip up another batch of Loaded Taco Grilled Cheeses, or perhaps opt for the straightforward Easy Taco Salad? It was a tough choice, but then, a little voice inside me whispered, “Make something different.” And that’s how these Mexican wedges, a dish I’ve made countless times but never officially shared, finally made their grand debut. They’re a fantastic twist on traditional taco night, offering a satisfying crunch and layers of bold flavor that will excite your taste buds.
The Magic of a Cast Iron Skillet (and Why Any Pan Will Do!)
I must confess my undying affection for my Cast Iron Skillet. It consistently cooks meat with a unique, almost BBQ-like char and depth of flavor that is simply unparalleled. There’s something truly special about that “Mexican BBQ’d beef” effect it creates. However, don’t let the absence of a cast iron skillet deter you! While it certainly enhances the experience, any good quality pan will work perfectly fine to achieve delicious results. But if you do own a cast iron skillet, please, do yourself a favor and use it. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. The best part? This entire dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, so much so that I often surprise myself with how quickly it comes together.
Crafting the Perfect Crispy Wedges
In our home, these seasoned potato wedges are always a resounding success. They’re undeniably better than ordinary fries or chips, and while technically they’re from the same family, the difference lies in their robust nature. The fatter and chunkier the potato wedge, the more satisfying the bite and the better they hold up to the delicious toppings. The seasoning for these wedges is simple yet incredibly impactful: a blend of smokey paprika, aromatic garlic powder, and earthy cumin. That’s all it takes – a minimalist approach that delivers maximum flavor, truly knocking your socks off with every bite. So simple, so easy, and so incredibly tasty!
The process is straightforward: first, prepare your potatoes. Cut them into substantial wedges. Next, toss them in that incredible spice and olive oil mixture, then pop them into the oven. While your wedges are baking to golden, crispy perfection, you can simultaneously prepare the most flavourful Mexican-tasting beef mince you’ve ever had. This efficient workflow means you’ll have a fantastic meal ready with minimal fuss.
Assembling Your Mexican Masterpiece
Once your beautifully crispy wedges emerge from the oven and your aromatic taco beef mince is perfectly cooked, it’s time for the grand assembly. Combine those irresistible wedges with the rich, savory beef directly in the skillet, then let your imagination run wild with toppings. This is where you truly make the dish your own! We love a generous scattering of vibrant salsa, creamy avocado, a dollop of cooling sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, and crisp green onions or shallots. The combination of textures and temperatures, from the warm, tender beef to the cool, fresh toppings, is simply divine. Oh, I’m already missing these incredible flavors just thinking about them!
The explosion of taste is so good, you might just find yourself spontaneously breaking into a fierce Mexican Hat Dance!
Versatile & Customizable: Make It Your Own!
One of the best aspects of these Smokey Mexican Beef Wedges is their versatility. While ground beef mince provides a rich, hearty base, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. If you’re not a fan of beef, or simply want to try something different, I’ve successfully made these wedges using ground turkey, chicken, or even pork! Each protein offers a slightly different nuance, but the core smokey Mexican seasoning ensures a delicious outcome every time. Feel free to experiment with your favorite ground meat to suit your taste or dietary preferences. You can also easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder, making it perfect for everyone at the table, from spice-lovers to those who prefer a milder flavor.
Don’t forget the cheese! A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend adds another layer of indulgence, melting beautifully over the warm beef and wedges. For a vegetarian twist, consider substituting the meat with seasoned black beans, lentils, or a mixture of finely diced mushrooms and bell peppers. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to create a personalized version of this beloved dish that perfectly matches your cravings.
More Mexican-Inspired Delights to Explore
If these Smokey Mexican Beef Wedges have ignited your passion for vibrant Mexican flavors, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other incredible recipes that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. From slow-cooked wonders to fresh and zesty salads, there’s something for every occasion:
- Slow Cooker Barbacoa Short Rib Tacos: Tender, fall-apart short ribs cooked to perfection in a rich, spicy barbacoa sauce.
- Chipotle Lime Carnitas Salad: A light yet satisfying salad bursting with zesty chipotle-lime carnitas, fresh greens, and vibrant toppings.
- Authentic Mexican Salsa: Learn to make a fresh, flavorful salsa that’s perfect for dipping or as a topping for any Mexican dish.
- Huevos Rancheros Tortilla Pizza: A creative and delicious fusion of classic breakfast flavors on a crispy tortilla base.
Each of these recipes brings its own unique flair to the table, ensuring your Mexican culinary adventures are always exciting and delicious. Enjoy exploring these fantastic options!
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Mexican Beef Wedges
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 / bell capsicum, 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. Use what you like):
- 2 stems green onion/scallions finely sliced
- ¼ cup fresh coriander finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Sour Cream
- Tomato Salsa OR Sweet Chilli Sauce
- 1 avocado peeled and diced
- diced tomatoes
- shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella cheese, Mexican cheese blend, etc
Instructions
Wedges:
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Preheat oven to 400℉ | 200°C. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or tray with non-stick cooking oil spray. Set aside.
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On a chopping board, cut each potato in half lengthways, then cut each half in half again, and then each piece in half again so you end up with 8 wedges. Arrange in a single layer on prepared baking sheet or tray.
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Combine paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder and olive oil in a small bowl. Pour over the oil/spices mix and toss the wedges well with your hands.
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Season with salt and bake for 45 minutes until tender and crisp.
While the wedges are baking, make your Taco meat:
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the onion ad red peppers / capsicum until onion is transparent. Add in the garlic and saute until garlic is fragrant (a further minute or so).
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Add the meat, paprika and cumin. Cook while breaking up the meat with the end of your spoon, mixing all of the flavours together, until the meat is browned. Add the beef broth or stock and simmer for a minute. Season with salt and pepper.
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Once the wedges are done, spoon the Taco meat over them and serve immediately with any of the following optional toppings: green onion/scallions, fresh coriander, a dollop of sour cream, tomato salsa OR sweet chilli sauce, avocado, tomatoes and cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.