Description
Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. This satisfying casserole combines classic taco flavors with creamy cheddar cheese soup, baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect for a family dinner that pleases everyone, it’s easy to prepare and offers a hearty, cheesy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
Cheese and Dairy
- 10.5 oz can cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Broth
- 4 cups potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the minced garlic until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir the packet of taco seasoning into the cooked beef mixture evenly and then set aside to assemble the casserole.
- Layer Potatoes: Spread the sliced potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Add Beef Layer: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
- Add Soup and Broth: Pour the cheddar cheese soup and beef broth evenly over the beef layer, ensuring the liquid covers the layers to help tenderize the potatoes.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for a rich cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Final Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden brown crust on top.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for color and a burst of freshness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the ground beef.
- Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for best results as they hold their shape while baking.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning and cheese soup are gluten-free certified.
