Description
This Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a rich layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it layers classic taco flavors with creamy cheese soup and is baked to bubbly, golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
Liquids and Soups
- 10.5 oz can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup beef broth
Vegetables
- 4 cups potatoes, sliced
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for layering the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the minced garlic until the beef is fully browned. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet evenly into the cooked beef mixture, coating it thoroughly. Then set this mixture aside for assembly.
- Layer Potatoes: Spread the sliced potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will be the base layer of your casserole.
- Add Beef Layer: Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes, creating a hearty middle layer.
- Add Soup and Broth: Pour the cheddar cheese soup and beef broth evenly over the ground beef layer, which will add moisture and creaminess to the casserole as it bakes.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top to create a delicious cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes have become tender when pierced with a fork.
- Final Bake: Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to melt fully and develop a golden brown color.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Using Yukon Gold or red potatoes will give a creamy texture; avoid waxy potatoes.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions also complements the taco flavors well.
