Description
Mexican-inspired taco potato casserole combines hearty comfort with zesty flavors from ground beef, cheese, and crispy potato layers. Families will savor this satisfying meal that brings warmth and excitement to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, sliced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with chilies, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 5 minutes.
- Create the first potato layer in the casserole dish, spreading an even base of sliced potatoes.
- Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the potato layer.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese across the beef layer.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese to create a complete casserole.
- Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove foil and add a final layer of cheese and dollops of sour cream on top.
- Return to oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to melt cheese and create a golden surface.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using mild/hot varieties to suit different taste preferences.
- Make the dish gluten-free by ensuring taco seasoning is certified gluten-free and using corn-based cheese.
- Create a lighter version by substituting ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Prep potatoes ahead by slicing them thinly and soaking in cold water to prevent browning and ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg