Description
Mexican-inspired Taco Potato Casserole blends comfort and zest in one hearty dish. Layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (30 ounces / 850 grams) frozen diced hash browns or potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate 350°F, preparing a spacious baking dish for the layered casserole.
- Sauté ground beef in a skillet, incorporating finely chopped onions and minced garlic until meat turns rich brown, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Blend taco seasoning into the meat mixture, creating a robust flavor profile, then gently fold in diced tomatoes and creamy sour cream until thoroughly combined.
- Create a foundational layer of crispy hash browns across the bottom of the casserole dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Generously spread the seasoned beef mixture over the potato base, creating a hearty second layer.
- Sprinkle a generous blanket of shredded cheese across the top, covering the entire surface for maximum melting potential.
- Transfer the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly crust and the edges become crisp and appetizing.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, leaner version of the casserole.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition boost.
- Use sweet potato hash browns instead of regular for a more nutrient-dense alternative that adds natural sweetness.
- For a gluten-free option, verify that your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free and use a cornstarch-based thickener if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg