Hearty Taco Potato Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Craving a hearty Mexican-inspired taco potato casserole that blends comfort with zesty flavors?

Layers of crispy potatoes mingle with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese.

Southwestern spices dance through each delectable bite, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Weeknight dinner solutions just got incredibly delicious and simple.

Home cooks adore this one-pan wonder that satisfies everyone at the table.

Melted cheese and crispy potato edges promise pure culinary magic.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this crowd-pleasing meal that combines the best of tacos and potato goodness.

Taco Potato Casserole – Cozy Layers Of Flavor

• Comfort Food Champion: This hearty beef stew wraps you in pure, warm comfort with its rich, tender meat and deep, satisfying flavors that feel like a loving home-cooked meal.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple cooking steps make this recipe a total kitchen hero, letting you create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Flexible ingredients like optional wine, paprika, or cayenne pepper mean you can easily adapt the stew to match your taste preferences or pantry supplies.
• Nutrition-Packed Meal: Loaded with protein-rich beef and colorful vegetables, this stew delivers a balanced, wholesome dinner that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds.

Taco Potato Casserole Must-Have Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the hearty foundation of the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Taco Seasoning: Provides classic Mexican-inspired spice blend for robust flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture and a subtle spicy kick to the beef mixture.
• Salsa or Enchilada Sauce: Brings additional moisture and tangy southwestern flavor.

• Frozen Diced Hash Browns or Fresh Parboiled Potatoes: Creates a crispy, hearty base for the casserole.
• Black Beans: Adds extra protein and texture to the dish.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy, melted topping with rich cheese flavor.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro, Jalapenos: Optional toppings that add fresh, cool, or spicy elements to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil or Butter: Used to grease the casserole dish and prevent sticking.

Taco Potato Casserole Made Simple In Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab your casserole dish and give it a quick rub with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions

Toss ground beef and chopped onions into a skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the meat until it transforms into a rich, golden brown.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Salsa or enchilada sauce

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Layer the Potato Base

Spread a generous layer of frozen diced hash browns or parboiled fresh potatoes across the bottom of your greased casserole dish.

Step 5: Pour on the Meaty Goodness

Evenly distribute the spicy beef mixture over the potato layer, making sure every potato gets some love.

Step 6: Add Extra Protein

If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a layer of black beans over the beef mixture.

Step 7: Cheese It Up and Bake

Cover the entire casserole with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese.

Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Dress It Up

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes.

• Dollops of sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos

Winning Tips For Taco Potato Casserole Results

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version.
• Parboil fresh potatoes before layering to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning and control salt levels by checking ingredient amounts.
• Drain excess fat from beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican cheese mix for extra flavor.

Flavorful Swaps For Taco Potato Casserole Fans

• Southwest Chicken Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken and add green bell peppers for extra freshness and color.
• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans, incorporate diced zucchini and corn for hearty texture.
• Spicy Green Chile Potato Casserole: Increase green chiles, add diced green chiles, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Fusion Potato Dish: Use ground lamb, add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired variation.

Taco Potato Casserole Pairings That Shine

• Serve this hearty casserole as a fun family dinner night centerpiece. Pair with crisp green salad and warm tortilla chips for added crunch and freshness. Kids will love scooping up the cheesy potato and beef layers.
• Portion the casserole into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week. Pack with extra salsa or hot sauce on the side for a spicy kick. Perfect for busy professionals wanting a satisfying midday meal.
• Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to neighborhood gatherings or game day celebrations. Transport in a covered insulated carrier to keep warm. Guests will appreciate the comforting blend of Mexican-inspired flavors and hearty ingredients.

Store Taco Potato Casserole For Later Enjoyment

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container seals tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Are the potatoes cooked before adding to the casserole?

Hash browns are frozen and will cook in the oven, or you can parboil fresh potatoes first to ensure they’re tender and crispy during baking.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein substitute and will taste great with the taco seasoning and other ingredients.

• How spicy will this casserole be?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. For mild flavor, use a mild salsa and taco seasoning. For more kick, choose medium or hot versions.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your taco seasoning and salsa labels to confirm. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always verify packaged seasonings and sauces to be certain.

Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired taco potato casserole combines hearty comfort with zesty flavors. Layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that brings families together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen diced hash brown potatoes (or fresh potatoes, diced and parboiled)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1/2 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for greasing the pan)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapenos for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a casserole dish with a thin layer of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a hot skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat, carefully draining any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
3. Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating taco seasoning, garlic powder, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa or enchilada sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Create a uniform base layer of frozen diced hash browns or parboiled fresh potatoes across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
5. Evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture over the potato foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
6. For additional texture and protein, scatter a layer of black beans across the beef mixture.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a melty golden crust during baking. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crisp.
8. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes. Optionally garnish with fresh sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapenos for extra zest.

Notes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best crispy texture and maximum flavor absorption.
• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild, medium, or hot varieties to match personal heat preferences.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, lean chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes for lower-fat options.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg