Cheesy Taco Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of taco night and a hearty potato bake, this Cheesy Taco Potatoes recipe is calling your name! Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender russet potatoes, gooey cheese, and classic taco flavor, this dish is a fusion of two favorite comfort foods: cheesy casserole and taco night.

Perfect for weeknights, game days, potlucks, or even meal prep, this one-pan wonder is simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or spice lovers, Cheesy Taco Potatoes is the type of recipe you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.

🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes this recipe so irresistibly delicious:

1 pound lean ground beef – Ground turkey or plant-based meat can work too.
4 to 6 medium Russet potatoes – The perfect texture and starch content for baking.
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning – Or use homemade seasoning for more control.
½ cup water – Helps blend the taco seasoning into a flavorful sauce.
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or a taco blend.
Optional toppings: Sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro.

🍴 Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and chop them into bite-sized cubes—no need to peel unless you want to.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks, and once browned, drain any excess fat.

Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thick and saucy. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Once the potatoes are roasted, transfer them to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the seasoned taco beef over the potatoes. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Top with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, scallions, fresh cilantro, or avocado. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, meaty, potato-filled perfection!

🌮 Why This Recipe Works

Cheesy Taco Potatoes hits every mark of comfort food:

Filling – Potatoes and beef are a match made in meal-prep heaven.
Flavorful – Taco seasoning makes it craveable.
Cheesy – Melted cheddar brings the comfort and gooey texture.
Easy to make – Minimal steps and no fancy tools required.

🧀 Substitutions & Add-Ins

Make this recipe your own by swapping ingredients or tossing in extras:

Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or black beans.
Add veggies: Bell peppers, corn, onions, or jalapeños.
Make it spicier: Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or spicy taco seasoning.
Top with chips: Crushed tortilla chips or Doritos add crunch.

🥣 Meal Prep Tips

Cheesy Taco Potatoes are ideal for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how:

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven (covered in foil).
Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

These loaded taco potatoes can stand on their own, but here’s how you can serve them:

With a side salad (think romaine, avocado, and lime dressing).
As a taco filling inside a soft tortilla.
Topped with a fried egg for a brunch twist.
Layered into a burrito bowl with rice, beans, and salsa.

🧂 Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional)

Skip the packet with this simple DIY mix:

1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne for heat

🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s budget-friendly. Ground beef and potatoes are economical staples.
It feeds a crowd. A big pan goes a long way.
It’s flexible. Make it vegetarian, low-carb, or spicy.
Kids love it. Because who can say no to cheesy, meaty potatoes?

💬 Reviews & Raves

“This is on my weekly rotation now. So easy and satisfying!” – Jess T.
“We added black beans and it was amazing. Like a taco in a bowl!” – Mike R.
“My kids devoured it. No leftovers!” – Emily S.

🛒 Quick Grocery List

Here’s a quick shopping list to screenshot:

🎉 Perfect For Every Occasion

Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a cozy winter dinner, or a party potluck, Cheesy Taco Potatoes deliver. It’s a reliable, repeatable, and wildly satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table.

So next time you’re standing in your kitchen wondering what to make with ground beef and potatoes—look no further. This is your new go-to comfort classic.