Prepare to meet your family’s new comfort food favorite: taco hashbrown casserole! This mouthwatering dish combines savory ground beef and crispy hashbrowns topped with a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce, creating a delightful blend that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

And let’s not forget the toppings! Personalize each serving with your favorites like sour cream, zesty salsa, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It’s the ideal meal for a cozy dinner at home. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Taco Hashbrown Casserole

Hearty and Filling: The combination of seasoned beef, crispy hashbrowns, and a velvety cheese sauce creates the ultimate comforting dish that will leave everyone satisfied.

Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe stretches your budget while still delivering a hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Perfect for Busy Nights: Quick to prepare and bake, it serves as an ideal dinner solution for hectic weekdays.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, and then bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat. How convenient is that?

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: The savory and hearty base that provides rich flavor and protein.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics add depth and delicious flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: A store-bought packet is convenient, but a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano works beautifully too.
• Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns: These crispy bites offer a delightful contrast to the beef and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup: This creamy goodness brings all the ingredients together with an indulgent richness.
• Mexican Cheese: It’s used both in the casserole mixture and as a topping for that ooey-gooey texture.

How to Make Taco Hashbrown Casserole

This taco-inspired casserole is a breeze to prepare! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

2. Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the meat is browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

3. Add Flavor

Stir in the garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then, remove it from the heat.

4. Mix Ingredients

In the skillet or a large bowl, combine the hashbrowns, cheddar cheese soup, 1 1/2 cups of the Mexican cheese, and the cooked beef mixture.

5. Spread Evenly

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.

6. Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is melted and golden brown.

7. Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes, then add your favorite toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips For the Best Taco Hashbrown Casserole

Imagine all the savory goodness of tacos wrapped up into one cozy casserole—that’s what you’ll get with this dish! It’s meaty, cheesy, and comforting. Here are some helpful tips to make it even better:

• Don’t Thaw the Hashbrowns: Add them straight from the freezer to maintain a crispy texture.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Cheddar or Monterey Jack are both excellent choices, and shredding your own cheese can enhance flavor.
• Cover with Foil: Loosely cover with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
• Add Extra Flavor: For something a bit different, consider tossing in black beans or corn. Swapping the soup for a can of diced tomatoes with chilies can also add a nice kick.
• Try Queso: If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can use queso dip for a creamy alternative!

How to Store Taco Hashbrown Casserole

This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, if you manage to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

To Store:

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To Freeze:

Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap and then in foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To Reheat:

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For individual portions, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, covered with a microwave-safe lid. Remember to store and reheat without any toppings!

More Hearty Casseroles Your Family Will Love

If you’re looking for more comforting casserole recipes, try these:

• Beef Lombardi Casserole
• Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole
• Chili Cornbread Casserole