Looking for a dinner that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one? Taco Potato Casserole is the answer! Packed with savory seasoned ground beef, and hearty potatoes, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish combines the best of taco night and casserole comfort food. Itโs the perfect weeknight meal thatโll please everyone at the table and the best part? Itโs quick and easy to make!
Whether youโre cooking for a busy family or hosting a casual gathering, this Taco Potato Casserole is sure to impress. With its layered flavors and satisfying texture, itโs bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Letโs dive into everything you need to know to make this delicious meal!
Ingredients for Taco Potato Casserole
Before we get started, letโs make sure you have all the ingredients ready! This casserole recipe uses simple, affordable items that you can easily find at any grocery store. Hereโs the full list of ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef โ This is the heart of the dish, providing that meaty, savory base that will absorb all those flavorful taco seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil โ A bit of olive oil is needed for sautรฉing the ground beef.
- 1 packet taco seasoning โ This pre-mixed seasoning pack contains everything you need to create the signature taco flavor without the guesswork.
- 1 cup salsa โ Choose your favorite salsa for a bit of tang and extra flavor.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced โ Potatoes make this casserole hearty and filling, serving as the perfect base layer.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese โ This cheese adds richness and gooey goodness when melted over the top.
- 1 cup sour cream โ Sour cream adds a creamy, tangy finish to balance the spices.
- 1 cup frozen corn โ Frozen corn adds a pop of color and texture, making the casserole even more delicious.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder โ A touch of garlic powder adds savory depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder โ Onion powder provides a mild, sweet onion flavor.
- ยฝ teaspoon salt โ A pinch of salt brings out the flavors in the dish.
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper โ Black pepper adds a bit of heat and sharpness to the mix.
- Cooking spray or oil โ Use this to grease your baking dish and prevent sticking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Potato Casserole
Now that you have your ingredients ready, itโs time to put everything together. Follow these easy steps, and youโll have a delicious Taco Potato Casserole in no time!
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). While the oven is heating, grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. This ensures that the casserole wonโt stick to the dish and makes clean-up a breeze later.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Youโll want to cook the beef until itโs fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the pan.
3. Add the Taco Seasoning
Once the beef is drained, stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Continue to cook the beef mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the salsa to thicken and the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial, as it lets the taco seasoning blend with the beef and salsa, giving the casserole its rich and flavorful base. After 2-3 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
4. Prepare the Potatoes
While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes to the boiling water and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once the potatoes are cooked through, drain them and set them aside. Be sure not to overcook the potatoes so they donโt turn mushy when baking.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Now that all the components are ready, itโs time to assemble your casserole. Layer the cooked potatoes evenly in the bottom of your greased 9ร13-inch baking dish. This layer of tender potatoes will serve as the base of the casserole.
Next, pour the seasoned beef mixture on top of the potatoes. Spread it out evenly, making sure each potato bite is covered with the delicious taco meat. After that, sprinkle frozen corn over the beef mixture, followed by garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
6. Add the Cheese and Sour Cream
Take the sour cream and spread it evenly over the beef and corn layer. It will provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiced beef. After that, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, ensuring that every inch of the casserole is covered in cheese. As the casserole bakes, the cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly top.
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The potatoes will be tender, the beef mixture will be hot and flavorful, and the cheese will have formed a gooey golden layer on top. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to settle and make it easier to slice. Serve the Taco Potato Casserole hot, and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of this perfect weeknight meal!
Nutritional Information
Hereโs a quick breakdown of the nutritional value of each serving of Taco Potato Casserole:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
This casserole is a filling meal thatโs still relatively balanced, making it a great choice for a satisfying dinner. Itโs the perfect combination of comfort food and flavor, all while staying within reasonable calorie limits.
Serving Suggestions for Taco Potato Casserole
This Taco Potato Casserole is versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the casserole.
- Guacamole: A side of guacamole with crunchy tortilla chips will complement the Mexican-inspired flavors of the casserole.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are an excellent side dish to serve alongside the casserole for added texture.
- Rice: Serve this casserole with a side of Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice for extra heartiness.
For beverages, consider pairing this meal with a refreshing iced tea or a zesty lemonade to cut through the richness of the casserole.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about Taco Potato Casserole is its flexibility. You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your dietary preferences or to use ingredients you already have on hand. Here are some simple variations you might want to try:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version of the casserole, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef. This will reduce the fat content but still maintain the delicious taco flavor.
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more nutrient-dense option. Just be sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole.
- Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add some jalapeรฑos or chopped green chilies to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper on top for added heat.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and replace it with a can of black beans or pinto beans. Add some extra vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, for added flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Taco Potato Casserole turns out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the potatoes: When boiling the potatoes, be careful not to overcook them. If theyโre too soft, theyโll turn mushy when baked.
- Not draining the beef properly: Drain excess fat from the cooked beef so your casserole doesnโt become greasy.
- Skipping the resting time: After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. When youโre ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. If itโs cold from the fridge, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze Taco Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze this casserole, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When youโre ready to bake it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this casserole, you can also use Mexican blend cheese, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
Conclusion
Taco Potato Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that brings together all your favorite taco flavors in a comforting casserole form. Whether youโre feeding your family on a busy weeknight or making a dish for a casual dinner gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, cheesy goodness, and creamy sour cream topping, itโs a meal thatโs both hearty and flavorful.
So why wait? Give this recipe a try tonight and discover why Taco Potato Casserole will quickly become your new weeknight go-to!
For more exciting recipes like this one, check out these mouthwatering dishes:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese โ Ultimate Recipe
- Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Bomb Quesadillas Recipe
Enjoy your Taco Potato Casserole and happy cooking!
PrintTaco Potato Casserole Recipe | Easy Tex-Mex Comfort Food
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Taco Potato Casserole is a delicious, hearty weeknight dinner that combines ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, cheese, and crispy potatoes in one easy-to-make dish. Itโs perfect for busy evenings and sure to become a family favorite. With layers of flavor, itโs a comforting meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes in salted water for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer the cooked potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the seasoned beef mixture. Sprinkle with frozen corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Cheese: Spread the sour cream over the beef mixture, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Slice and serve your Taco Potato Casserole hot. Enjoy the hearty, flavorful layers that are perfect for any family dinner!
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding additional toppings such as sliced olives, jalapeรฑos, or diced tomatoes.
- For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Make sure the potatoes are tender before assembling the casserole to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Taco Potato Casserole, Taco Casserole, Potato Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Weeknight Dinner, Cheesy Casserole, Mexican Casserole