Loaded Potato Taco Bowl Meal Prep (Chicken & Beef Options)

Introduction

Looking for a meal prep recipe that’s filling, flavorful, and easy on your budget? This Loaded Potato Taco Bowl Meal Prep is the ultimate student-friendly dish. Packed with roasted potatoes, seasoned meat, and colorful toppings, it’s a high-protein lunch that tastes like comfort food — without breaking the bank.

Whether you prefer juicy chicken or savory ground beef, this recipe helps you create balanced meals that fuel your day with carbs, protein, and fiber. Ideal for busy weekdays, this taco bowl keeps well in the fridge and can be customized for any taste.

Get ready to turn simple ingredients into a meal prep favorite that will keep you full, energized, and ready to take on the week. If you’re new to meal prepping, check out our Easy Meal Prep for College Students guide — it’s perfect for beginners!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Taco Bowl

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 large russet or gold potatoes, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• ½ cup black beans (drained)
• ½ cup corn
• ¼ cup salsa
• ¼ cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or light sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ground Beef Taco Bowl

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
• 2 large potatoes, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• ½ onion, chopped
• ½ bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup black beans
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• ¼ cup salsa or pico de gallo
• Optional: sliced jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges

How to Make Loaded Potato Taco Bowl Meal Prep

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss diced potatoes in olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

For chicken:
Heat a pan over medium heat, add olive oil, and cook diced chicken until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).
Sprinkle taco seasoning and stir well.

For ground beef:
In a skillet, cook beef with onions and peppers until browned.
Drain excess fat, then mix in taco seasoning.

Want more chicken meal ideas? Try our comfort food favorite One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles — perfect for busy weeknights.

Step 3: Assemble the Taco Bowls

Divide the roasted potatoes evenly into four containers.
Add your cooked chicken or beef on top.
Spoon black beans, corn, and salsa over each bowl.
Sprinkle shredded cheese and top with a drizzle of Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Step 4: Store for the Week

Let the bowls cool before sealing.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later use.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ High in Protein – Each serving packs around 30g of protein with chicken or lean beef.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
✅ Customizable – Swap proteins, add veggies, or adjust spice levels.
✅ Meal-Prep Approved – Keeps well all week.
✅ Comforting and Flavorful – Crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and taco spices in every bite.

Love this taco bowl? You might also enjoy our Burger Bowl Meal Prep — another high-protein, budget-friendly lunch idea perfect for students.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

• Cool before sealing to prevent sogginess.
• Use divided containers to keep wet ingredients (like salsa) separate.
• Microwave: Reheat 1½–2 minutes on high.
• Freezing: Freeze without toppings; add cheese/salsa after thawing.
• Air fryer tip: Reheat roasted potatoes in the air fryer for 3 minutes to regain crispiness.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian or Vegan:
   Replace meat with black beans, tofu, or lentils. Add avocado slices.
2. Spicy Version:
   Add jalapeños, chipotle, or a drizzle of sriracha.
3. Breakfast Taco Bowl:
   Add a poached or scrambled egg on top.
4. Sweet Potato Upgrade:
   Use roasted sweet potatoes for added fiber and natural sweetness.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Chicken Version)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 7g

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato Taco Bowl Meal Prep has everything students love — it’s cheap, high in protein, and full of flavor. Whether you go with chicken, beef, or a veggie version, this meal will keep you full and focused all week.

Looking for more easy and protein-packed meal prep ideas?

• Try this cheesy and comforting Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole — perfect for batch cooking.
• Prefer vegetarian options? OurUnstuffed Pepper Bowls are a flavor-packed, plant-based choice.
• And if you love Tex-Mex bowls, don’t miss this Burger Bowl Meal Prep, another grab-and-go lunch favorite.

Give one (or all) a try — and tag your creations with #MealPrepMadeSimple. Your future self will thank you every time you open the fridge!