Quick & Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe – Family Favorite!

Blending mexican culinary traditions with hearty potato casserole comfort creates a mouthwatering fusion you’ll absolutely adore.

Crispy potato layers mingle with seasoned taco-inspired ingredients for an unexpected dinner experience.

Melted cheese and spicy ground beef weave together in delicious harmony.

Familiar flavors dance across your plate, promising satisfying and bold bites.

Weekend meal planning just got dramatically more exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something truly extraordinary – a casserole that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Gather your appetite and prepare for a recipe that will become an instant family favorite.

What Makes Taco Potato Casserole Comforting

• Perfect for busy families, this taco potato casserole delivers delicious comfort without complex cooking steps.
• The recipe requires minimal prep time, blending ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into a one-dish wonder that takes under an hour from start to finish.
• Adaptable toppings like salsa, sour cream, and cilantro let home cooks personalize each serving to match individual taste preferences.
• A hearty meal that satisfies both kids and adults, transforming traditional taco ingredients into a creamy, cheesy casserole everyone will love.

Taco Potato Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty foundation that provides rich, meaty flavor and protein for the casserole. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds classic Mexican-inspired spices and depth to the meat. Pre-mixed packets are convenient, or use homemade blend for custom flavor.

• Condensed Cream Soup, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Create a luxurious, creamy base that binds ingredients and adds rich, tangy flavor. Full-fat versions provide best taste and texture.

• Hash Brown Potatoes: Provides starchy structure and bulk to the casserole. Use thawed, shredded frozen potatoes for convenience.
• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add bright, fresh garnish and aromatic flavor. Optional, but recommended for extra taste.
• Salsa, Tomatoes: Optional topping that introduces fresh, zesty element to the dish. Fresh or jarred salsa works well.

How to Bake Taco Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Water

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain extra fat. Sprinkle taco seasoning and pour water. Stir and let simmer until sauce thickens.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

• Condensed cream soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen hash brown potatoes

Grab a big mixing bowl. Blend cream soup, sour cream, and one cup of cheese. Fold in thawed hash browns and cooked beef. Mix until everything hugs together.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Pour the potato-beef mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly. Shower the top with remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and cheese turns golden.

Step 6: Add Fresh Flair

Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro. Add salsa or diced tomatoes for extra zing.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Scoop onto plates. Top with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa. Dig in while hot!

Pro Tips for Taco Potato Casserole

• Swap Meats Wisely: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish's delicious taco flavor.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild or hot varieties, or make your own blend to customize the heat according to family preferences.
• Boost Potato Texture: For extra crispy potatoes, briefly thaw hash browns and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before mixing into the casserole.
• Add Veggie Power: Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or corn into the beef mixture to increase nutritional value and add more depth to the dish's flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream soup and taco seasoning to transform this casserole into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising taste or texture.

Best Storage Tips for Taco Potato Casserole

• 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 or freezer-safe container, storing for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with fresh garnishes like green onions or cilantro.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore cheese crispness.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.

Great Sides for Taco Potato Casserole

• Crack open a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the taco potato casserole. The beer's refreshing qualities will cut through the creamy cheese and balance the hearty beef.
• Serve a bright, tangy salsa verde on the side to add a fresh, acidic contrast to the creamy casserole. Homemade or store-bought salsa verde will enhance the dish's Mexican-inspired taste and provide a cool, zesty element.
• Whip up a quick guacamole with ripe avocados, lime juice, diced onions, and cilantro. Its smooth texture and fresh flavors will perfectly match the casserole's richness and add a vibrant, creamy dimension to each bite.
• Stir chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice into sour cream for a bright, tangy topping. This cool, herbal sauce will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, cheesy casserole and elevate the overall flavor profile.

Alternate Layers for Taco Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils, keeping the taco seasoning for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute hash brown potatoes with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the same flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream instead of sour cream and condensed soup for those with milk sensitivities.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free and use cornstarch as a thickener to make the entire dish safe for gluten-intolerant individuals.

Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Taco Potato Casserole blends hearty comfort with zesty southwestern flavors in one irresistible dish. Layers of crispy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 packet (28g) taco seasoning mix
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup salsa or diced tomatoes (optional, for extra flavor)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 can (298g) condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Potato and Garnish:

• 1 bag (850g) frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
• ¼ cup diced green onions (for garnish)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by warming oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Transform ground beef into crumbly texture by sautéing in large skillet over medium heat, carefully eliminating excess grease.
3. Infuse beef with robust taco seasoning, incorporating water and allowing mixture to simmer until it reaches a thickened consistency.
4. Craft creamy base by whisking condensed cream soup with sour cream, blending thoroughly with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Incorporate thawed hash brown potatoes and seasoned beef into the velvety mixture, gently folding ingredients until uniformly distributed.
6. Transfer potato-beef medley into prepared baking dish, ensuring even layer and topping with remaining cheese for golden coverage.
7. Nestle casserole in preheated oven, allowing it to bake approximately 45-50 minutes until edges bubble and cheese transforms into molten golden crust.
8. Elevate presentation by scattering fresh green onions and cilantro across surface, optional salsa or diced tomatoes can amplify flavor profile.
9. Serve immediately, accompanied by complementary garnishes like additional sour cream, guacamole, or zesty salsa to enhance dining experience.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that works perfectly with the taco seasoning.
• Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes to add more nutrients and create a slightly different flavor profile that complements the taco seasonings.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the taco seasoning or using homemade seasoning blend to control sodium and heat intensity for different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg