If you're craving a delicious, hearty meal that's packed with flavor, look no further than this Taco Potato Casserole recipe. This dish combines classic taco flavors with the comfort of cheesy potatoes to create a dish your whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply want a meal that’s great for leftovers, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Keep reading to discover the full recipe, tips, and tricks for perfecting this delicious casserole!

What is Taco Potato Casserole?
Taco Potato Casserole is a fusion dish that combines the spicy, zesty flavor of traditional tacos with the creamy, comforting texture of a potato casserole. This dish is made by layering seasoned ground beef, hash brown potatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and lots of gooey cheese. It's an easy, filling meal that's great for any night of the week. With the combination of taco flavors and hearty potatoes, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for feeding a group or meal-prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients List for Taco Potato Casserole
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7% blend) – This will give you the hearty, protein-packed base of your casserole.
- ¾ cup diced sweet yellow onion (Vidalia onion) – The sweetness of Vidalia onions pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the ground beef and taco seasoning.
- 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns – These make the casserole easy to assemble and give it a great potato flavor.
- 20 ounces Rotel Original diced tomatoes & green chilies (two 10-ounce cans) – This adds a bit of spiciness and flavor depth, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- 15 ounces mild cheddar cheese sauce – The cheese sauce makes the casserole creamy and ensures that each bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby jack cheese (divided) – Colby jack cheese melts beautifully, providing a perfect balance of creaminess and flavor. One cup will be mixed in with the hash browns, while 1 ½ cups will be used as a topping.
- 2 ounces taco seasoning (two 1-ounce packets) – This brings the signature taco flavor to your dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle hint of spice to balance the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about a casserole is its versatility. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs, preferences, or what you have on hand.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a lighter option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and add black beans, pinto beans, or a meatless ground beef alternative for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier casserole, swap the mild cheddar cheese sauce for a spicy version and use Rotel’s hot variety of diced tomatoes with chilies. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the taco seasoning.
- Cheese Varieties: Swap the Colby jack cheese for a sharp cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack for an added kick.
- Healthier Potatoes: If you’re looking to cut carbs, consider using a cauliflower hash brown substitute instead of regular hash browns.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and considered any modifications, let’s get cooking! Follow this step-by-step guide to make your taco potato casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and diced sweet yellow onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Season the Beef
After draining the fat, stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the meat is coated in the seasoning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Prepare the Hash Browns
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash browns, 1 cup of shredded Colby jack cheese, and the cheddar cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the hash browns are evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
In your greased baking dish, spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture across the bottom. On top of that, add a layer of the hash brown and cheese mixture. Then, pour half of the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ground beef, hash browns, and Rotel.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Once your layers are complete, sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded Colby jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
How to Cook Taco Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking taco potato casserole is an easy process that requires just a few simple steps. Begin by preheating your oven and browning the ground beef. While the meat is cooking, prepare your hash browns by mixing them with cheese sauce and shredded cheese. Once the meat is seasoned and ready, layer it in your baking dish with the cheesy hash browns and diced tomatoes. Top everything with even more shredded cheese and bake until golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving to ensure the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few mistakes you should avoid to ensure your casserole comes out perfect:
- Not Draining the Beef: Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the ground beef. Too much grease can make the casserole soggy.
- Overcooking the Beef: Don’t overcook the beef while browning it. The meat will cook further in the oven, so you just want to get it browned, not dried out.
- Undercooking the Hash Browns: Make sure the casserole bakes long enough to fully cook the hash browns. If they are undercooked, the casserole will lack the desired texture.
- Skipping Rest Time: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to cut and prevents the dish from falling apart when serving.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving your Taco Potato Casserole, presentation is key. You want it to look just as good as it tastes! Here are a few tips to enhance the presentation of your dish:
How to Serve Taco Potato Casserole
- Slice the casserole into neat squares or rectangles for a clean, professional look.
- Serve it with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños to brighten up the dish and add extra flavor.
- For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad.
Presentation Ideas for Taco Potato Casserole
- Layered Look: Ensure the layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese are visible by cutting large, even portions.
- Garnish: Add a pop of color by garnishing with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of diced tomatoes, or green onions.
- Serve with Dips: Consider serving the casserole alongside bowls of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Taco Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep in Advance: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven!
- Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble it and cover tightly before placing in the freezer. If freezing after baking, let the casserole cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Crispier Top: For a crunchier cheese top, place the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can. If using fresh potatoes, peel and shred them before using. You may want to par-cook them slightly to ensure they cook fully during baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Freeze it in individual portions for easy reheating later.
Conclusion
Taco Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds—taco flavors and cheesy, hearty potatoes. This versatile dish is easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. By following the step-by-step instructions, using fresh ingredients, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll have a flavorful and filling casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and variations to make this dish truly your own!
PrintTaco Potato Casserole Recipe
This Taco Potato Casserole recipe blends ground beef, shredded hash browns, and taco seasoning with a cheesy twist, creating the perfect comfort food. The mix of Rotel tomatoes, cheddar cheese sauce, and Colby jack cheese provides a rich, creamy flavor that’s ideal for any family dinner. Try this easy-to-make dish for a savory and satisfying meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef, 93%-7% blend
- ¾ cup diced sweet yellow onion (Vidalia onion)
- 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns
- 20 ounces Rotel Original diced tomatoes & green chilies (two 10-ounce cans)
- 15 ounces mild cheddar cheese sauce
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby jack cheese, divided
- 2 ounces taco seasoning (two 1-ounce packets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ground beef, onions, hash browns, Rotel tomatoes, cheddar cheese sauce, 1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Top with remaining 1½ cups of shredded Colby jack cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Garnish with sour cream, diced green onions, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- Make it spicier by using hot Rotel or adding jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1020mg
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