🌮 Taco Potato Casserole 🌮
A hearty, cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole packed with Tex-Mex flavor! Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this dish combines seasoned beef, crispy hashbrowns, and melty cheese into a comfort food classic with a taco twist.
🥳 Difficulty: Easy
🍽️ Servings: 8
⏰ Total Time: 75 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
🧾 Ingredients:
1.5 lbs ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
10 oz can Rotel (drained)
10.5 oz can cheddar cheese soup
2 lbs frozen hashbrowns (cubes, thawed)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar, divided)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water, and let it simmer for a few minutes until the meat is evenly coated and slightly thickened.
3. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and drained Rotel. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Add the Beef:
Fold the seasoned ground beef into the hashbrown mixture and mix until evenly combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.
6. First Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
7. Add the Cheese:
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven.
8. Final Bake:
Bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
🌟 Serving Suggestions:
Top individual portions with:
Sliced green onions
Fresh cilantro
A dollop of sour cream or guacamole
Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch
🧊 Storage Tips:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This casserole freezes well! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
🧡 Why You’ll Love It:
One-pan, family-friendly comfort food
Perfect make-ahead meal
Budget-friendly ingredients
Customizable with your favorite taco toppings