The Ultimate Taco Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this hearty taco potato casserole that combines zesty Mexican flavors and creamy potato goodness.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with crispy potato slices for an irresistible meal.

Cheese melts perfectly between each savory layer, creating a mouthwatering dish that screams home-cooked satisfaction.

Spices dance across the surface, promising a flavor explosion in every single bite.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

This casserole brings together the best of Tex-Mex cuisine in one satisfying pan.

Taco Potato Casserole for Taco Tuesdays

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This taco potato casserole brings together beloved flavors that make everyone at the table cheer with excitement.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings to create a personalized dish that suits different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and simple cooking steps make this recipe a go-to solution for busy families craving a hearty, satisfying meal.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines multiple food groups in a single pan, reducing cleanup and offering a complete, nutritious dinner without complicated cooking techniques.

Everything You Need for Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Frozen Hash Browns: Convenient and crispy potato layer that forms the foundation of the casserole.

• Taco Seasoning, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Salsa: Ingredients that add bold southwestern flavors and spice to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creamy and melty components that add richness and texture.

• Black Beans: Optional protein-rich ingredient that adds extra nutrition and flavor.

• Cilantro, Crushed Tortilla Chips: Fresh herb and crunchy topping that provide final flavor and texture contrast.

• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatics to the beef mixture.

Cooking Steps for Taco Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Meaty Base

Toss ground beef and chopped onions into a hot skillet.

Brown the meat until it’s fully cooked and drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Stir everything together until the flavors mingle and dance.

Step 4: Create the Potato Foundation

Spread a generous layer of frozen hash browns across the bottom of your greased baking dish, creating a crispy potato canvas.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Layers

Carefully spread the spicy beef mixture over the hash browns.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a layer of black beans for extra texture.

Step 6: Add Zesty Toppings

Dollop salsa across the beef, then spread a creamy layer of sour cream.

Shower the top with a blanket of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and crushed tortilla chips over the top for a crunchy, colorful finish.

Serve hot and enjoy the flavor explosion!

Potato Taco Casserole Tips and Hints

• Use thawed hash browns for even cooking and crispier texture.
• Add a dash of cumin or chili powder to the ground beef for extra depth.
• Mix different cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack for a more complex taste.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Adjust salsa and green chilies to match your preferred heat level.

Flavorful Taco Potato Casserole Twists

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap hash browns with riced cauliflower to create a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that still delivers zesty taco-inspired taste.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Potato Dish: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive dietary needs while keeping the original recipe's essence.
• Dairy-Free Spicy Potato Casserole: Substitute cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast, cashew cream, or vegan cheese to make the dish allergen-friendly and inclusive.

Taco Potato Casserole Serving Styles

• Fiesta Night Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as the star of a Mexican-inspired dinner with friends and family.
• Fresh and Zesty Toppers: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of fresh guacamole on each serving for added flavor and color.
• Southwest Side Kick: Pair with a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or Mexican street corn to balance the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Reheat leftovers and wrap in a warm tortilla for a delicious next-day lunch that's easy to pack and enjoy.

Storage Advice for Taco Potato Casserole

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can slice or dice fresh potatoes thinly and par-boil them before layering in the casserole for a similar texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. Use mild versions if you prefer less spice, or add hot sauce for extra kick.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or extra beans. Use vegetarian taco seasoning to keep the flavor profile consistent.

• What cheese works best for this casserole?

Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses are ideal. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor, while a Mexican blend provides a classic taco-style melting quality.

Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Potato Casserole brings layers of spicy comfort to dinner tables. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and crispy potato slices create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Dairy:

• 4 cups frozen hash browns
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• Cilantro for garnish
• Tortilla chips for topping

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat turns thoroughly brown, then eliminate excess grease.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Create a uniform foundation of frozen hash browns across the entire casserole dish.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the potato layer, then add a scattered layer of black beans.
6. Generously spread salsa across the beef, dollop sour cream in strategic patches, and lavishly sprinkle shredded cheese to cover the surface.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, watching for cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbling surface.
8. Remove from oven and embellish with fresh chopped cilantro and crumbled tortilla chips just before serving to add texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning to match your family’s taste preferences.
• Use sweet potato hash browns for a nutritious twist that adds extra vitamins and a slightly different flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or shredded chicken to accommodate vegetarian or lighter protein options.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal when baked later.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg