Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole combines the best of both worlds—taco seasoning, savory ground beef, and melty cheese layered over tender potatoes. This dish is the ultimate comfort food with a Mexican twist, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or Taco Tuesdays. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors you love, plus it’s easy to prepare and bake in just over an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. The taco-seasoned ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes create a filling and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. The combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese is both savory and indulgent, making it the ultimate cozy dish. It’s also incredibly easy to make and bakes all in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 10.5 oz can cheddar cheese soup
- 4 cups potatoes, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and set the beef mixture aside.
- Spread the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour the cheddar cheese soup and beef broth evenly over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown on top.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Variations
- Add vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or corn into the beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Spicy kick: For some extra heat, add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the casserole before baking.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or a mix of beans for a vegetarian version.
- Top with sour cream: Once the casserole is baked, top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Taco toppings: Add your favorite taco toppings like salsa, chopped cilantro, or avocado slices to elevate the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen hashbrowns or frozen sliced potatoes. Just make sure they are thawed before layering them in the dish.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar cheese is perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re making it ahead, just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Check if the potatoes are tender by inserting a fork into them. The casserole should be bubbling, with a golden-brown top.
5. Can I add more seasoning?
If you like your food with more flavor, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add extra taco seasoning or some chili powder for a bolder flavor.
6. Can I make this casserole in a smaller baking dish?
Yes, if you prefer a thicker casserole, you can use a smaller baking dish. Just adjust the cooking time, as the casserole may need more time to cook through.
7. Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
8. Can I make this casserole without cheese soup?
Yes, you can make this casserole without cheese soup by using a homemade cheese sauce or simply using extra cheese and beef broth for moisture.
9. Can I add beans to this casserole?
Yes, you can add beans like black beans or pinto beans to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding.
10. Can I make this casserole spicy?
For a spicy twist, add jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicy taco seasoning mix. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes over the top before baking.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the delicious flavors of tacos with cheesy, hearty potatoes. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, perfect for a family dinner or feeding a crowd. With layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender potatoes, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Whether you serve it on Taco Tuesday or any night of the week, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Print
Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole
Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole is a delicious, hearty comfort food that combines taco-seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender potatoes in a savory, satisfying dish. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, Taco Tuesdays, or a crowd-pleasing meal that’s full of flavor. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 10.5 oz can cheddar cheese soup
- 4 cups potatoes, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in taco seasoning and set the beef mixture aside.
- Layer Potatoes: Spread sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Beef Layer: Layer the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Add Soup and Broth: Pour cheddar cheese soup and beef broth evenly over the beef layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Final Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Vegetable Additions: Add diced bell peppers, onions, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or beans in place of ground beef for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food, Casserole, Taco Night
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
