The Ultimate Taco Potato Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a mouthwatering taco potato casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Layers of crispy potatoes and zesty seasoned meat create a flavor explosion that satisfies deep cravings.

Melted cheese blankets each delicious bite with rich, gooey goodness.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this indulgent and simple to prepare.

Spices dance through the dish, awakening taste buds with every forkful.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this crowd-pleasing meal comes together.

You’ll want to savor each delectable, hearty spoonful of this irresistible casserole.

Why Taco Potato Casserole Is A Weeknight Hero

• Speed Up Dinner: A one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal without complicated kitchen gymnastics.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar taco-inspired flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making dinnertime stress-free and delicious.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe that welcomes personal touches like different cheese varieties, extra toppings, or swapping ground beef for turkey or plant-based alternatives.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combines the heartiness of potatoes, the richness of beef, and the creaminess of a cheesy sauce into a single satisfying casserole that feels like a warm hug.

Taco Potato Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich, savory flavor and substantial texture to the casserole.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and create a creamy, custard-like consistency.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Cheddar Cheese: Add creamy richness and a smooth, tangy backdrop to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning Packets: Deliver bold, zesty Mexican-inspired spices that infuse the ground beef with vibrant taste.
• Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic undertone that complements the meat and potatoes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Potatoes: Form the foundational layer, offering a hearty, starchy base for the casserole.
• Tomatoes, Green Onions, Black Olives: Fresh garnishes that add color, brightness, and additional flavor layers.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps control cooking and prevents excessive browning.
• Salsa: A zesty topping that adds a fresh, tangy finish to the dish.

How To Assemble Taco Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Perfection

Thoroughly scrub potatoes and slice them into paper-thin rounds, each about 1/4-inch thick for consistent cooking magic.

Step 3: Sizzle the Beef

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into tiny crumbles until no pink remains, cooking for about 7-8 minutes.

Step 4: Spice Up the Meat

Drain excess fat from the beef and mix in taco seasoning, ensuring every morsel is coated with zesty flavor.

Step 5: Create the Potato Foundation

Arrange half the potato slices across the baking dish bottom, creating an overlapping potato carpet.

Step 6: Distribute the Meaty Layer

Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato base, creating a hearty meat landscape.

Step 7: Whip Up the Creamy Blend

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until smooth and completely combined.

Step 8: Pour the Creamy Goodness

Drench the meat and potato layers with the creamy mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty masterpiece.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Remove from oven and let the casserole chill for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and settle.

Step 12: Dress It Up

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped green onions
• A dollop of salsa

Serve and enjoy your Taco Potato Casserole Extravaganza!

Taco Potato Casserole Cooking Tips

• Slice Potatoes with Precision: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform 1/4-inch rounds for consistent cooking and perfect texture.
• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess grease completely to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crisp, delicious result.
• Mix Creamy Sauce Smoothly: Whisk egg mixture until fully blended to avoid lumps and create a silky, even coating throughout the dish.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Add extra taco seasoning or a pinch of chili powder for a bolder, more intense taste profile.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting easier.

Variations For Taco Potato Casserole Lovers

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, using vegetarian taco seasoning for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Swap regular taco seasoning with certified gluten-free packets and ensure all ingredients meet gluten-free standards for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and use pepper jack cheese to create a fiery, intense flavor profile that kicks up the heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potato slices with thin cauliflower rounds to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's creamy, cheesy texture.

Best Sides For Taco Potato Casserole

• Create Flavor-Packed Beverage Companions: A zesty Mexican beer like Modelo Especial perfectly complements the taco-seasoned beef's spicy profile.
• Refresh with Tangy Sidekick: A crisp, chilled margarita balances the casserole's rich, creamy texture with its citrusy and tequila-infused brightness.
• Elevate with Wine Harmony: A medium-bodied Zinfandel offers bold fruit notes that enhance the savory ground beef and melted cheese layers.
• Boost with Cooling Contrast: A smooth, cold horchata provides a sweet and creamy counterpoint to the dish's spicy and robust flavors.

How To Save Leftover Taco Potato Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole fresh and flavorful.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and heat an additional 5-10 minutes to restore crispy cheese top.

FAQ Sheet For Taco Potato Casserole

• Why use taco seasoning in this recipe?

Taco seasoning adds a bold, zesty flavor to the ground beef, transforming a simple casserole into a Mexican-inspired dish with rich, complex spices.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free taco seasoning packets and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Is this dish considered low-carb?

No, the potato base makes this a carbohydrate-rich meal. For a lower-carb version, you could substitute the potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini slices.

• What makes the egg mixture important in this recipe?

The egg mixture creates a creamy, binding sauce that helps cook the potatoes and adds richness to the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Mexican-inspired flavors in this mouthwatering Taco Potato Casserole, combining hearty potatoes with zesty taco seasonings. Cheesy layers and crispy toppings promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Taco Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp taco seasoning mix
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

Topping and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly wash potatoes and slice them into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick to ensure even cooking.
3. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat from the beef and stir in both taco seasoning packets, mixing completely to coat the meat with robust flavor.
5. Layer half the potato slices across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid, overlapping base.
6. Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato layer, creating a hearty meat foundation.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
8. Pour the creamy mixture over the meat and potato layers, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
12. Garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and a dollop of salsa before serving.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture, ensuring each bite is perfectly tender.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this hearty casserole without compromising flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter protein options that accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Customize seasoning intensity by adjusting taco seasoning quantity, allowing control over spice levels for various taste sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg