Tacos with Potatoes and Green Peppers

– **2 medium potatoes**, peeled and diced
– **1 green bell pepper**, diced
– **1 small onion**, diced (optional)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (or any oil of your choice)
– **1 teaspoon cumin**
– **1 teaspoon chili powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon paprika**
– **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– **Taco shells** (soft or hard, depending on preference)
– **Fresh cilantro**, chopped (for garnish)
– **Salsa**, for topping
– **Guacamole** or **avocado slices** (optional, for added creaminess)
– **Lime wedges**, for serving

### How to Make Tacos with Potatoes and Green Peppers

These tacos come together quickly, making them a perfect weeknight dinner or casual meal. Here’s how to make them:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing, peeling, and dicing the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. The smaller the cubes, the quicker they will cook. Heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and season with **salt**, **pepper**, **cumin**, **chili powder**, **paprika**, and **garlic powder**. Stir well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the spices.

Cook the potatoes for about **10-12 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can cover the skillet to help the potatoes cook faster, but make sure to stir them frequently so they don’t stick to the pan.

#### Step 2: Add the Green Peppers (and Onion)
While the potatoes are cooking, dice the **green bell pepper** and **onion** (if using). Once the potatoes are nearly cooked through and crispy, add the green peppers and onions to the skillet. Continue to cook for another **3-5 minutes** until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
While the potatoes and peppers are cooking, warm your **taco shells** in the oven or microwave according to the package instructions.

Once the filling is cooked, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Spoon the potato and green pepper mixture into each taco shell, being generous with the filling.

#### Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Top your tacos with your favorite garnishes. Fresh **cilantro**, a squeeze of **lime**, and a dollop of **salsa** add brightness and flavor. If you like extra creaminess, add a scoop of **guacamole** or some sliced **avocados**.

Serve your tacos immediately, while the filling is still warm and the taco shells are crispy.

### Tips for Perfect Tacos with Potatoes and Green Peppers

1. **Crispy Potatoes**: The key to getting crispy potatoes is to make sure they are cut into uniform pieces and to let them cook without stirring too often. This allows the potatoes to brown nicely on all sides.

2. **Spices**: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your personal preferences. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. For a more smokey flavor, try adding a bit of chipotle powder or smoked paprika.

3. **Additional Vegetables**: You can make your tacos even more nutritious by adding extra vegetables. Try incorporating corn, tomatoes, or black beans for added texture and flavor.

4. **Customizable**: These tacos are very versatile. For a more hearty meal, you can add some **refried beans** or **tofu** to the filling. If you’re not vegan, consider adding shredded cheese or sour cream as additional toppings.

5. **Make It a Meal**: To round out your meal, serve these tacos with a side of **Mexican rice**, **sautéed greens**, or a **simple salad** with lime and chili dressing.

### Why You’ll Love Tacos with Potatoes and Green Peppers

These **Tacos with Potatoes and Green Peppers** are:

– **Hearty and satisfying**: Potatoes provide a filling base, while green peppers add freshness and crunch.
– **Budget-friendly**: Potatoes and green peppers are affordable ingredients, making this an inexpensive yet tasty meal.
– **Vegetarian and vegan**: Perfect for plant-based eaters, these tacos are completely dairy-free and meat-free, but still packed with flavor.
– **Customizable**: Add extra toppings or swap in different veggies to suit your preferences.
– **Full of flavor**: The spices bring warmth, smokiness, and depth to the simple potato filling, making every bite a burst of deliciousness.

### Conclusion: A Delicious, Veggie-Packed Taco

These **Tacos with Potatoes and Green Peppers** are a fun and flavorful alternative to traditional taco fillings. With crispy potatoes, tender green peppers, and zesty spices, they make for a satisfying, veggie-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering. Plus, they’re easy to make, customizable, and suitable for a variety of dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian diets.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a new taco recipe to add to your rotation, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your taco shells, gather your ingredients, and enjoy these savory, hearty tacos with a healthy twist!