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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a casserole dish with a thin layer of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create a uniform base layer of frozen diced hash browns or parboiled fresh potatoes across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture over the potato foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
- For additional texture and protein, scatter a layer of black beans across the beef mixture.
- 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.
- 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