Okay, picture this: it’s a Tuesday night, everyone’s tired, and the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” question hangs in the air. That’s when my Taco Potato Casserole swoops in to save the day! It’s seriously the ultimate comfort food mashup – imagine a cheesy, creamy potato bake but with all the zesty, spicy goodness of your favorite tacos. It’s way easier than making individual tacos for everyone, and honestly? It’s just more fun! My family goes absolutely bonkers for this, and I bet yours will too. Think of it as a taco bake’s even easier, cheesier cousin, and trust me, this version is about to become a weeknight staple.
What is Taco Potato Casserole?
So, what exactly *is* a Taco Potato Casserole? Well, it’s essentially a layered dish, starting with a base of tender potatoes, then piled high with seasoned Ground Beef or turkey – whatever you prefer! Next, we’re talking layers of creamy cheese sauce, black beans, corn, and then more cheese! It’s baked until bubbly and golden brown. Think of it as a deconstructed taco, but instead of a crispy shell, you’ve got creamy potatoes holding everything together. It gets its name because it tastes just like a taco but prepared as a casserole. And trust me, it’s *good*. The creamy potatoes and flavorful taco filling make it irresistible for all ages. It’s the perfect solution to a picky eater problem because it has everything kids love, cheese, potato and tacos.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me tell you why this Taco Potato Casserole is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen! First off, the flavor is out of this world! You’ve got the creamy, comforting potatoes playing off the zesty taco seasoning, the sweet corn, and savory black beans – it’s a party in your mouth! What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s mostly just layering ingredients and popping it in the oven. Even on the busiest weeknights, I can throw this together in no time. Plus, it’s super cost-effective. Potatoes are cheap, Ground Beef is often on sale, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking. Want to add some spice? Throw in some diced jalapeños. Vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for more beans or some crumbled tofu. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! It’s even better than my regular casserole because, lets face it everything taste better with tacos involved.
How do I make Taco Potato Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Taco Potato Casserole is simpler than you think! Basically, you’ll cook some Ground Beef with taco seasoning, layer it with potatoes, cheese sauce, and your favorite taco toppings, then bake it all until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted. The whole process only takes about an hour, and most of that is baking time. It’s really easy, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is amazing. You will definitely be making this dish regularly.
Ingredients
For the Potato Base:
* 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced. I like to use a mandoline for even slices, but I also like using knife.
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
For the Taco Filling:
* 1 lb GROUND BEEF (or ground turkey)
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
What is the cheese sauce?
* 4 tbsp butter
* 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (I’ve used almond milk and it works great)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For the Toppings (optional):
* Sour Cream
* Salsa
* Diced avocado
* Chopped cilantro
* Diced tomatoes
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you remove a casserole from the oven? I use a glass baking dish, but metal works too – just make sure it’s well-greased!
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated. This will help them cook evenly and give them a delicious flavor. I always make sure to dry the potatoes before tossing them with the oil, it helps them crisp up a bit.
Step 3: Cook the Taco Meat
In a large skillet, brown Ground Beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. What is the best taco meat to serve? I sometimes add a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. How much cheddar cheese do you use? How do I make cheese sauce?
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Half of the seasoned potato slices will be placed in a baking dish. Top with the remaining half. Top with taco meat, black beans, and corn. Half of the cheese sauce is over the filling. Pour half over it. What are the layers with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce? Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. Is the liquid melted and bubbl How do you tell if a potato is cooked? Do not overbake the casserole, as it will become dry.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to cut. What are some of the best taco toppings?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with Taco Potato Casserole?For a light lunch:A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of casserole.For a Family Dinner:A side of Mexican rice and a bowl of guacamole with tortilla chips. What makes tacos delicious?For a Potluck:Bring a pitcher of margaritas to share. It’s always gonna be yum!
What are some tips for making Taco Potato Casserole?
How do I make Taco Potato Casserole a knockout? What are some of the best tips I have learned over the years?Potato Prep: Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even potato slices. This ensures they cook evenly. If you don’t have one, just try to slice them as uniformly as possible. I always make sure to dry the potatoes before tossing them with the oil and spices.
Cheese Sauce Consistency: For a super smooth cheese sauce, make sure to whisk the flour and butter together really well before adding the milk. This prevents lumps. Also, use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can make the sauce grainy.
Taco Meat Flavor: Don’t skimp on the taco seasoning! I sometimes add a pinch of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor. You can also use a jar of your favorite salsa instead of water for a richer, spicier sauce.
Layering Technique: When layering the casserole, make sure to spread the ingredients evenly. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. I like to slightly overlap the potato slices to create a good base.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so it might need a few extra minutes or less. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! You can use sweet potatoes instead of russets, ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and any kind of cheese you like. I’ve even added a layer of refried beans for extra flavor and texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Taco Potato Casserole stores really well.
Room Temperature: Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of milk or cheese sauce before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Taco Potato Casserole recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. What I really love about this recipe is that its versatility allows you to change it up to match what you have on hand, it is one of those recipes I always feel comfortable with and know I can make on short notice. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more easy and delicious dinner ideas. Happy cooking, and let me know how yours turns out in the comments below!
Taco Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef lean
- 1 packet taco seasoning homemade or store-bought
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 0.5 cup sour cream
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning to the ground beef. Stir until well combined.
- In a large bowl, mix together hash brown potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheese.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the potato mixture evenly in the dish.
- Spread the seasoned beef over the potato mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
