Elevate Your Taco Night with Irresistible Potato Tacos with Sausage and Homemade Salsa
Tired of the same old taco routine? Prepare to put a delightful new spin on your weeknight meals with these incredible Potato Tacos with Sausage. This simple yet flavor-packed recipe combines tender, seasoned potatoes with savory Italian sausage, all nestled in warm tortillas and crowned with a vibrant, easy-to-make homemade salsa. It’s a culinary adventure that promises to become a fast favorite in your home.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
The world of tacos is vast and wonderfully diverse, offering endless possibilities for every palate. While classic ground beef or chicken tacos are always a hit, sometimes you crave something truly unique, something that surprises and delights. If you’re looking to explore beyond the traditional, you’ll adore the comforting yet exciting flavors of these potato and sausage tacos. For other adventurous options, consider diving into our Coconut Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa or the rich, hearty Dallas-Style Brisket Tacos, both guaranteed to expand your taco horizons.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Potato Tacos with Sausage
My culinary journey often leads me down the path of tacos. Lately, it feels like I’m perpetually in a taco-making mood, constantly brainstorming new combinations and flavors. It’s an obsession, truly! Every grocery store visit seems to feature alluring taco images, a subtle nudge from the universe (or perhaps just clever marketing executives who know the universal love for Mexican-inspired cuisine) to keep the taco ideas flowing.
These Potato Tacos with Sausage offer a fantastic departure from the norm. The pairing of savory sausage with tender, perfectly spiced potatoes might seem unconventional at first, but trust me, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. This recipe is designed to be an easy weeknight meal, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The simple act of combining delicious ingredients and wrapping them in a soft tortilla or crisp taco shell is always a crowd-pleaser, kid-pleaser, and definitely a me-pleaser.
The beauty of these tacos lies in their unique flavor profile. The robust taste of Italian sausage, seasoned with a blend of classic spices, pairs surprisingly well with the earthy sweetness of pan-fried potatoes. This hearty filling is both satisfying and incredibly comforting, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Add a generous dollop of our fresh, homemade salsa, and you’ve got a taco that’s nothing short of perfection. These tacos are so good, they’ll make you want to declare every night “taco night!”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Potato and Sausage Tacos
Crafting these delicious potato and sausage tacos starts with selecting quality ingredients that work in harmony. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
For the Hearty Taco Filling:
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing, ensuring your potatoes get beautifully golden and crisp.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are ideal for tacos because of their creamy texture and thin skin, which means less peeling. When cut into small, even pieces, they cook up perfectly tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Small, uniform dices are key for even cooking and a pleasant texture in each bite.
- Sweet Italian Sausage: The star of the filling! Sweet Italian sausage brings a fantastic savory depth and a hint of fennel, which complements the potatoes and spices wonderfully. If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Chopped Onion: Onions add a layer of aromatic flavor and sweetness as they caramelize alongside the sausage.
- Spices (Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder): This carefully balanced blend of spices creates a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor profile that defines the taco filling. Paprika adds a subtle sweetness and color, cumin provides an unmistakable earthy aroma, oregano offers a classic herbaceous note, and chili powder ties it all together with a mild, complex heat.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Flour Tortillas (6-inch): Soft flour tortillas are perfect for holding the generous filling. They can be warmed slightly before serving to make them more pliable and enhance their flavor. Corn tortillas can also be used for a more traditional Mexican taste.
For the Bright and Fresh Homemade Salsa:
- Plum Tomatoes: Diced plum tomatoes form the base of the salsa, offering a fresh, juicy, and slightly sweet component. Their firm flesh holds up well when diced.
- Small Jalapeño: Deseeding and removing the ribs from the jalapeño ensures you get its fresh, peppery flavor without overwhelming heat. Finely dicing it allows for an even distribution of flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is critical for brightening the salsa, adding a zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the taco filling.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the salsa to perfection.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds an essential herbaceous, citrusy note that is a hallmark of fresh Mexican salsa.
- Feta Cheese: While perhaps not a traditional taco topping, crumbled feta cheese adds a wonderfully salty, tangy creaminess that beautifully complements the other flavors in the salsa and the taco filling. It’s a delightful unexpected twist.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Delicious Taco Night
Creating these delightful Potato Tacos with Sausage is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for any day of the week. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal:
Preparing the Flavorful Taco Filling:
- Sauté the Potatoes: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your finely diced Yukon Gold potatoes. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and tender. This step ensures the potatoes have a delicious crispy exterior and soft interior. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage and Onion: In the same skillet, without cleaning it (those fond bits add flavor!), add the sweet Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the sausage with a spoon as it browns. Continue until the sausage is fully cooked and the onion has softened and turned translucent, which typically takes about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary, although Italian sausage usually doesn’t render too much.
- Season the Filling: Stir in the paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper with the sausage and onion. Cook for just one more minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their full aroma. This crucial step infuses the entire mixture with a depth of flavor.
- Combine and Warm: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the sausage mixture. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring the potatoes are coated with the savory, spiced sausage. Heat for another minute or two until everything is warmed through.
Whipping Up the Fresh Homemade Salsa:
- Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the diced plum tomatoes, finely diced jalapeño (remember to deseed and discard ribs for less heat), and fresh lime juice.
- Season and Finish: Season the salsa generously with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, gently stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and the crumbled feta cheese. The feta adds a unique salty tang that complements the fresh vegetables beautifully.
Serving Your Potato Tacos:
- Assemble: Warm your flour tortillas according to package directions – a quick pass over an open flame, a microwave zap, or a few minutes in a dry skillet works well.
- Fill and Top: Divide the warm sausage and potato mixture evenly among the 8 tortillas. Top each taco generously with the freshly made salsa.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve your Potato Tacos with Sausage immediately to savor their warmth and freshness.
Tips for the Best Sausage and Potato Tacos
To ensure your potato tacos are nothing short of spectacular, consider these helpful tips:
- Potato Perfection: For the best texture, cut your potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch pieces. This allows them to cook evenly and get that perfect golden crispness. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking potatoes; if necessary, cook them in batches to allow for proper browning.
- Sausage Choice: While sweet Italian sausage is specified, don’t hesitate to experiment. Spicy Italian sausage will add a pleasant kick, or even a flavorful chicken or turkey sausage can be used for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s a type that crumbles well when cooked.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your family’s preference. For more heat in the filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, slightly reduce the chili powder.
- Tortilla Warming: Properly warmed tortillas are essential. They become more pliable, less likely to crack, and taste significantly better. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or briefly heat them in a dry skillet until soft and slightly blistered.
- Salsa Prep Ahead: The salsa can be made an hour or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, for maximum freshness, add the cilantro and feta just before serving.
- Garnishes Galore: While the homemade salsa is fantastic, don’t shy away from other garnishes. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, sliced avocado, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice can take these tacos to the next level.
- Make it a Meal: Serve these tacos with a simple side of black beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
More Taco Inspiration for Every Craving
If these Potato Tacos with Sausage have sparked your imagination for new taco adventures, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of exciting taco recipes that promise to keep your weeknight dinners fresh and exciting. From seafood delights to inventive vegetarian options, there’s a taco for every mood and every palate. Dive into these other favorites:
- Baja Fish Tacos: Light, crispy fish with vibrant toppings – a taste of the coast!
- Pizza Tacos: The ultimate fusion food for pizza and taco lovers.
- Taco Lettuce Wraps: A low-carb, fresh alternative to traditional tortillas.
- Taco Pizza: All your favorite taco flavors on a crispy pizza crust.
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Spicy, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.
Each of these recipes offers a unique take on the beloved taco, proving that this versatile dish can truly be transformed in countless delicious ways. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your new family favorite!
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Potato Tacos with Sausage
Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
4 servings
Main Dish
Mexican
Pin
Ingredients
Tacos
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz Yukon gold potatoes cut into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 8 6- inch flour tortillas
Salsa
- 4 plum tomatoes diced
- 1 small jalapeno seeds and ribs discarded, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 oz feta cheese crumbled
Instructions
For the tacos:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the sausage and onion. Cook, breaking up the sausage as it cooks, until browned and cooked completely and the onion is tender, about 10 minutes. Add in the paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cook for one more minute. Add the potatoes back in and stir to combine.
For the salsa:
- Combine the tomatoes, jalapeno and lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in the cilantro and cheese.
To serve:
- Divide the sausage and potato mixture evenly between the 8 tortillas. Top with the salsa and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 520kcal (26%),
Carbohydrates: 39g (13%),
Protein: 23g (46%),
Fat: 25g (38%),
Saturated Fat: 9g (56%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 53mg (18%),
Sodium: 1692mg (74%),
Fiber: 4g (17%),
Sugar: 5g (6%)
potato tacos, sausage tacos, potato and sausage tacos, easy weeknight tacos, homemade salsa, taco night ideas