Savory Taco Potato Casserole Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Hearty and comforting, this taco potato casserole blends two beloved dinner favorites into one mouthwatering dish.

Layers of crispy potatoes mingle with seasoned ground beef, creating a flavor explosion.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and spices.

Melted cheese blankets the casserole, adding richness and excitement to every forkful.

Mexican-inspired seasonings dance through the ingredients, making this more than just another weeknight meal.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious or felt so satisfying.

Dive in and savor every single, spectacular bite.

Taco Potato Casserole Cooking Details

• Ground Beef: Rich meaty base that provides hearty flavor and protein for the casserole, best with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal taste.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds signature Mexican-inspired spice blend that gives depth and zest to the meat.

• Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes: Convenient starchy foundation that creates a crispy, golden layer, choose a brand with minimal additives.

• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides additional moisture and helps bind ingredients together, low-sodium versions work well.

• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings bright acidity and subtle heat to the dish, opt for Rotel brand for best flavor.
• Green Onions: Optional fresh garnish that adds mild onion flavor and color.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides sharp, rich flavor, sharp varieties offer more intense taste.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavors.

Taco Potato Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and give a generous spray of cooking oil to a large baking dish.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until it turns a rich, golden brown.

Drain away any excess grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice Up the Beef

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies

Cook and stir for a quick 2-3 minutes to let the flavors mingle and dance.

Step 4: Create the Potato Magic

• Hash browns
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to punch up the flavor.

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

Spread the seasoned beef evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

Then carefully blanket it with the creamy potato mixture.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

Shower the top with the remaining cheese for a golden, melty finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 8: Final Flourish

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Taco Potato Casserole Layered With Pro Precision

• Remove all excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Place the beef mixture on the bottom and potato mixture on top to create distinct flavor layers and maintain a perfect casserole structure.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to add extra flavor complexity and personalize the dish.
• If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain a creamy, rich consistency without becoming watery.
• Sneak in diced bell peppers or spinach into the potato mixture for added vegetables and increased nutritional value without compromising taste.

Keep Taco Potato Casserole for Later

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintaining moisture.
• For quick single servings, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

Taco Potato Casserole Best Matches

• Pair with Cold Mexican Beer: Crisp, light lagers like Corona or Modelo perfectly cut through the rich, cheesy casserole and complement the spicy taco seasoning.
• Serve with Fresh Salsa: Homemade pico de gallo or chunky salsa adds bright, zesty flavors that balance the hearty potato and beef base.
• Create a Cooling Side Salad: Prepare a simple green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a tangy lime vinaigrette to offset the casserole's warmth and heaviness.
• Drizzle with Creamy Cilantro Sauce: Blend fresh cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño to add a cool, herbal kick that enhances the dish's Mexican-inspired flavors.

Taco Potato Casserole Ways to Mix It Up

• Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute hash browns with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Keep the taco seasoning and cheese for full flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and cream of chicken soup. Verify all ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten components.
• Spicy Southwest Alternative: Add diced jalapeños, use hot taco seasoning, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for extra heat and zesty flavor.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this casserole different from traditional tacos?

The ground beef with taco seasoning provides classic taco flavor, while hash browns and cream of chicken soup create a unique, hearty potato-based twist that sets this dish apart from typical taco recipes.

• Can I use different meat for this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or shredded chicken work perfectly as substitutes for ground beef while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile and texture of the original recipe.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate spice level from the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you prefer more heat, you can add extra green chilies or use a spicier taco seasoning blend.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginners?

This casserole is very beginner-friendly. It requires basic cooking skills like browning meat, mixing ingredients, and baking. The straightforward steps and minimal ingredients make it an easy meal for home cooks of all skill levels.

Why Taco Potato Casserole Recipe Works For Every Dinner

• Hearty Family Feast: Perfect weekend dinner that brings everyone together around the table with comfort and deliciousness.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make this casserole a lifesaver for busy families seeking a satisfying meal in under an hour.
• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to swap ingredients or add extra toppings like jalapeños, salsa, or crispy bacon to match individual taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Utilizes affordable pantry staples and ground beef to create a filling meal that stretches dollars without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Taco Potato Casserole brings zesty comfort to dinner tables with layers of crispy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese. Hearty flavors meld perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 bag (30 oz / 850 grams) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10 oz / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

Optional and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a spacious baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet until thoroughly browned, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 2-3 minutes.
4. Create a creamy potato base by combining shredded hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a generous portion of shredded cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a robust foundation for the casserole.
6. Gently layer the potato mixture over the beef, ensuring complete coverage and a smooth surface.
7. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crust.
8. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become deliciously bubbly.
9. Once removed from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, fresh finish.
10. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving to help it set and make portioning easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
• Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning to match personal taste preferences.
• Boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or corn to the potato mixture for extra texture and vitamins.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating until ready to bake, which helps develop deeper flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg