If you're looking for a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish that's perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this Taco Potato Casserole recipe is exactly what you need! With its combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, crispy hash browns, and loads of melted cheese, it's a comfort food dream come true. This recipe also has a hint of spice thanks to taco seasoning, and it's wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
What is Taco Potato Casserole?
Taco Potato Casserole is a delicious fusion of two beloved dishes: tacos and potato casserole. It brings together ground beef seasoned with taco spices, creamy cheese sauce, crispy hash browns, and spicy tomatoes, creating a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. It's like enjoying your favorite taco in the form of a warm, comforting casserole.
Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to make this dish, substitution options, and serving tips to impress your guests!
Ingredients List for Taco Potato Casserole
Before diving into the cooking process, let's break down the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. You probably already have some of these on hand, but a quick trip to the store might be necessary for others.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7% blend): This will add richness and heartiness to the casserole without too much extra fat.
- ¾ cup diced sweet yellow onion (Vidalia onion): Adds sweetness and depth to the ground beef mixture.
- 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns: The base of the casserole that gives the dish texture and crunch.
- 20 ounces Rotel Original diced tomatoes & green chilies (two 10-ounce cans): Provides a zesty kick and moisture to balance out the richness of the dish.
- 15 ounces mild cheddar cheese sauce: Makes the casserole extra creamy and cheesy.
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided): A combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses for that classic cheesy pull. One cup will be mixed in, and 1 ½ cups will be sprinkled on top.
- 2 ounces taco seasoning (two 1-ounce packets): Adds that signature taco flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.
Ingredient List Continued
In addition to the main ingredients, here are a few optional ingredients and garnishes that can take your Taco Potato Casserole to the next level:
Optional Ingredients & Garnishes:
- Sour cream: To add creaminess when serving.
- Sliced green onions: For a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Cilantro: A great way to add a fresh, herbal note.
- Jalapeños (fresh or pickled): To increase the spice level.
- Crushed tortilla chips: Adds crunch when sprinkled on top.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about casseroles is their versatility! Here are some variations and substitution ideas to customize this recipe to your tastes or dietary needs.
- Ground turkey or chicken: Swap out ground beef for leaner protein if you want to make this a lighter dish.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and replace it with black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
- Dairy-free cheese: If you're lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet, use dairy-free cheese and vegan cheese sauce.
- Spicier version: Use hot Rotel and add jalapeños or extra chili powder to the ground beef mixture for a fiery kick.
- Gluten-free option: Ensure the taco seasoning and cheese sauce you use are gluten-free, and you're good to go!
- Swap the hash browns: Instead of frozen shredded hash browns, you can use tater tots for a different texture and added crispiness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and substitutions ready, let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering Taco Potato Casserole.

- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your lean ground beef and diced Vidalia onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Break up the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef and onions, followed by the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain). Stir everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Hash Brown Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash browns, cheddar cheese sauce, 1 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the hash browns are evenly coated.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the seasoned ground beef and tomato mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, layer the hash brown mixture on top of the beef.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the hash brown layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes to set up before slicing and serving.
How to Cook Taco Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this casserole is incredibly easy, but there are a few key steps to follow for best results:
- Ensure your beef is fully cooked before layering the casserole. You don’t want any raw meat in your dish.
- Don’t drain the Rotel tomatoes—the extra liquid helps keep the casserole moist and prevents the hash browns from drying out.
- Fully thaw the hash browns before mixing them with the cheese sauce. This allows for even cooking and avoids soggy potatoes.
- Bake uncovered to get a crispy, cheesy top. If you notice the cheese browning too much, you can loosely cover it with foil in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not draining excess fat from the beef: This can lead to a greasy casserole.
- Skipping the rest time: If you slice into the casserole right away, it might fall apart. Letting it rest ensures it holds its shape.
- Using too much seasoning: Stick to the recipe’s suggested amount of taco seasoning to avoid an overly salty dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving Taco Potato Casserole, presentation matters just as much as flavor. Here are some ideas to make this dish even more visually appealing and enjoyable:
How to Serve Taco Potato Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few side dish ideas to complement it:
- Mexican rice: A perfect companion to this casserole.
- Refried beans or black beans: Adds extra protein and fiber.
- Corn salad or Mexican street corn: Adds freshness and sweetness to balance the richness of the casserole.
Presentation Ideas for Taco Potato Casserole
- Serve in individual portions: Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into neat squares for a polished presentation.
- Garnish with fresh toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle some chopped cilantro, and scatter a few jalapeño slices for color and flavor contrast.
Taco Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well. You can freeze the entire dish before baking or freeze leftovers after baking.
- Add some crunch: Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from a cold state.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it unbaked or freeze leftovers. If baking from frozen, increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes.
What can I substitute for Rotel tomatoes?
You can use regular diced tomatoes and a small can of green chilies, or substitute with your favorite salsa for a different flavor.
Conclusion
This Taco Potato Casserole is the perfect recipe for busy nights, family gatherings, or casual entertaining. With its layers of seasoned beef, crispy hash browns, and gooey cheese, it's bound to be a hit. Customize it to your taste with various substitutions and serve it with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will love. Give it a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food fusion!
PrintTaco Potato Casserole Recipe
This Taco Potato Casserole recipe is a flavorful blend of lean ground beef, frozen hash browns, Rotel, and cheese. It's seasoned with taco spices for a savory, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any family dinner. Great for meal prepping, this casserole can be made ahead and baked when ready, making it an easy and hearty option for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7%)
- ¾ cup diced sweet yellow Vidalia onion
- 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns
- 20 ounces Rotel Original diced tomatoes & green chilies (two 10-ounce cans)
- 15 ounces mild cheddar cheese sauce
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby jack cheese (1 cup in the mixture, 1 ½ cups on top)
- 2 ounces taco seasoning (two 1-ounce packets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion, and cook until softened.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, followed by Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine hash browns, cheddar cheese sauce, 1 cup Colby jack cheese, and the beef mixture.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining 1 ½ cups of Colby jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, use hot Rotel and sharp cheddar cheese. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of casserole
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1080mg
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