First, let me apologize for posting a scalloped potato dish twice in the last 4 days. I know that’s crazy. But these are so perfect for Cinco de Mayo, I had to share them.
Now, if you’ve been keeping in touch with me you know how much I love potatoes, and cheese, and cheesy-potato-things. What’s not to love?
If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, let’s do a little inventory:
First, there was my Twice-Baked Potato Pie with BBQ Meatloaf Crust.
Then there was the Smoky Sausage and Potato Chowder.
And BBQ Beef and Cheddar Poutine.
And now this.
I’m not ashamed.
I live in Manitoba. Yes, it’s May. But the high was 9 degrees Celsius today. And it’s been raining a lot. And not a nice, warm rain.
I could eat scalloped potatoes and chowder every day.
You know how it is when you’re doing something totally non-food-related and all of a sudden this random thought pops into your head? And it says to you, “why have I never seen anyone put meat sauce in scalloped potatoes?!?”
You don’t just ignore that kind of a hunch.
So I knew if I went with a regular tomato and meat sauce that it would be absolutely, fantastically delicious. But I promised you I’d make an effort to make more seasonal and holiday-inspired dishes. Since Cinco de Mayo is coming up, I thought I would try a French/Italian/Tex-Mex fusion kind of thing. Cause that totally makes sense (insert eye roll here).
I know it sounds crazy ridiculous. Alfredo and Mexican do not go together.
Oh, but they do.
I wasn’t at all sure when I made this that it wasn’t going to be my absolute worst idea ever. Fortunately, we loved it. And from a 2 year old who doesn’t like meat or spice, all I heard was the odd, “yummy!” throughout the meal.
* A note: I never really use bottled Alfredo sauce, but it’s one of those things I’ll buy a jar of when it’s on sale in case of a dinner emergency. I figured it would speed up the process tonight and had been in the cupboard long enough. Feel free to make your own Alfredo or Beschamel sauce, or use your favourite bought sauce.
See my recipe for Beschamel Sauce here. You can use the same sauce recipe, and just omit the spices for a plain Beschamel. Or get crazy and add in some or all of the spices, and see how you like it.
Mexican Scalloped Potatoes
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 7 medium-large potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 2 tsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 1-2 pinches red pepper flakes optional, depending on the heat in your salsa and your tastes
- 2 cups Alfredo or Beschamel sauce I used a bottled Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo sauce
- 3 cups shredded cheddar or marble cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot full of salted water, boil potatoes about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the potatoes are cooking, scramble fry the ground beef with the onion in a large pan. Add the taco seasoning, tomato sauce and salsa and stir. Simmer 5 minutes until flavours are combined.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Layer half the potatoes in the bottom of a greased 9×13″ pan. Spread with half of the Alfredo sauce and top with 1 cup of cheese.
- Add half of the beef mixture on top of the cheese, and spread evenly.
- Repeat layers once more, reserving the last cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling slightly. Top with remaining cheese and broil 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
Nutrition Information
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Rhonda says
OK so do I slice the potatoes 1st before I boil them or cook the whole potatoes then slice them?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Rhonda! You’ll slice them before cooking. Enjoy!
Julie says
Omg love this recipe I added 2 cans of green chilies it was amazing thank you for inspiring me !
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Julie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Lynn Wegner says
This was an amazing recipe! My son even made tacos with it. I will make this again and again. Great for potlucks!!
Ashley Fehr says
That is such a fun idea! Thanks Lynn!
Rhonda says
I would like to use dehydrated potatoes. What adjustments do you think I would need to make to the recipe?
Janet Harper says
Making it tonight for dinner and was thrown off by the Alfredo sauce(I also never use jarred but had one in the pantry) but totally excited to try something new. Cooking everyday I run out of new ideas so I’m excited to see how the family likes this one!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Janet! I hope it turned out well!
Sadie Donaldson says
Love this!! Just made it. I use two jars of the roasted red pepper alfredo but it sure is good. I am Lebanese and I do this a different way as well.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so happy to hear that!
Kim N says
My family LOVES this recipe! There is usually nothing leftover for lunch 🙁
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for coming back and leaving a comment!
Anjelin says
Have you considered using chorizo instead of ground beef?
Ashley Fehr says
I haven’t but I’m sure it would be great!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} says
Oh my gosh these looks amazing! I can’t wait to make some:) Pinned!
Ashley says
Thanks Shannon! If you make them, let me know how you like them!
Sherri@ The Well Floured Kitchen says
I love potatoes, so I don’t think it’s crazy at all to post (or eat) about them all week 🙂 I’ve never really incorporated them into Mexican dishes, this dish sounds and looks delicious. Pinned!
Ashley says
Thanks Sherri! Heading over to check out your site today!
Maria says
These potatoes look so good! They sound so flavorful and just delicious!
Ashley says
Thanks Maria! I love taking something I know and spicing it up a little 🙂
Piero says
Ashely, I want to let you know that you have an Italian follower too, and we know about food! 😀 This recipe is absolutely great!
Ashley says
Thanks Piero! It was pretty tasty 🙂
Karen @ From the Garden Table says
I love this twist on scalloped potatoes and love that it gets moved from “side dish” status to main dish! I am the same with anything potatoes, creamy sauces and cheese, bring in it on!
Ashley says
I’m happy to hear that Karen! I can eat it all year round 🙂
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
Ashley, don’t you just love when the unexpected child loves what you put in front of them… and they actually eat it?! This awesome scalloped potatoes dish would definitely be a winner at my house with my boys!
Ashley says
It’s definitely a plus Gloria! And she’s not a big fan of meat, so I was doubly impressed!