Dinner

Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher December 14, 2025December 14, 2025

Introduction

This Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender hash browns, and melted cheese in a comforting bake. Perfect for family dinners, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy taco and potato lovers alike.

A round white bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of thinly sliced, pale yellow potatoes arranged evenly. On top of the potatoes is a generous layer of cooked ground meat that is brown and crumbly, spread across the surface. Melted yellow cheese covers the dish, bubbling slightly and dotted with small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top for color. The texture looks creamy where the cheese has mixed with the meat, while the potatoes peek out around the edges. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
½ cup water
½ cup chopped onion
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 cup sour cream
1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash brown potatoes, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the seasoned beef mixture. Mix until fully blended.
Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish for consistent cooking.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 8: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef while cooking.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Use a different cheese blend like cheddar and Monterey Jack if preferred.
Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for added crunch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through.

How to Serve

A white ceramic dish holds a layered casserole with three visible layers. The bottom layer is thick, light yellow sliced potatoes. The middle layer is cooked ground beef with a crumbly texture and a brown color. The top layer is melted cheese, golden yellow with slightly browned spots, sprinkled with small green herbs. One side is cut out, showing the layers clearly. The dish sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use diced fresh potatoes, but be sure to par-cook them by boiling or roasting before mixing to ensure they cook fully during baking.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.