Name: Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ½ tbsp olive oil; ½ tbsp butter; ½ cup chopped white onions; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ tsp fine sea salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 6 tbsp taco seasoning; 8 oz. can of plain tomato sauce; 14.5 oz. can of fire-roasted tomatoes; 2 cups diced potatoes (approximately 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced); 2 cups shredded cheese

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This Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef is a cozy fusion of comfort food and zesty Tex-Mex flavors. Picture this: a warm, cheesy dish bubbling in the oven, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. As you gather your loved ones around the table, smiles spread across faces, and forks dive into layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. You’ll discover how easy it is to whip up a meal that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart. Perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings alike, this casserole is bound to become a favorite. So, let’s get cooking and bring this delightful dish to your kitchen today!

Why This Recipe Works

This Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef merges the robust flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with comfort food charm. The combination of tender diced potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese creates a satisfying and hearty dish that appeals to a wide audience. The use of taco seasoning elevates the flavors, ensuring every bite bursts with deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef

You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare this casserole. It’s versatile enough to adapt for various tastes. This one-dish meal simplifies weeknight dinners, making them stress-free. Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings and potlucks. Imagine the joy on your family’s faces when they sink their forks into this warm, cheesy delight!

Ingredients

½ tbsp olive oil
½ tbsp butter
½ cup chopped white onions
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
½ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
6 tbsp taco seasoning
8 oz. can of plain tomato sauce
14.5 oz. can of fire-roasted tomatoes
2 cups diced potatoes (approximately 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced)
2 cups shredded cheese

Preparing the Casserole

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Let’s start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s happening, grab an 8×11 or 9×13 casserole dish. Grease it lightly and set it aside for later use.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

Next, in a large skillet, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat until warmed. Pour in the chopped onions and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until they’re soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until that lovely aroma fills your kitchen.

Cook the Ground Beef

Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Let’s break it apart with a wooden spoon as you stir. Season it with a bit of salt and pepper, then cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, roughly 5 minutes.

Combine Beef with Seasoning

Once the beef is browned, mix in the taco seasoning along with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir the mixture well. Next, pour in the tomato sauce and the fire-roasted tomatoes. Bring it all to a quick boil. After it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Casserole

Now, grab your prepared casserole dish and place the diced potatoes at the bottom. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, stirring to ensure they’re evenly coated. Then, pour the beef mixture over the potatoes, making sure everything is spread out nicely. Lastly, sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.

Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown. It’s hard to resist that enticing scent wafting from the oven!

Let it Rest and Serve

Once baked, take the casserole out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is essential, as it allows the flavors to settle. You can now add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or green onions for that extra kick!

Serving Suggestions

A refreshing side salad pairs beautifully with this Taco Potato Casserole. Alternatively, some tortilla chips and salsa can create a complete Tex-Mex meal. The contrasting flavors and textures bring everything together, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Tips for Success

For an added crunch, feel free to top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips during the last few minutes of baking.
Make sure the ground beef is well-drained to prevent extra grease from sneaking into your casserole. Nobody wants a greasy dish!

Variations

This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate different tastes. You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or a vegetarian meat substitute for a lighter option. For a nutritious twist, consider adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven or microwave is simple, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious dish again.

Pairing Ideas

Completing your meal with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans will elevate the entire dining experience. Each bite will transport you to a comforting fiesta.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day early, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

2. What toppings can I add?
Top your casserole with sour cream, cheese, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for an extra burst of flavor.

3. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes work well; just adjust the cooking time as needed.

4. Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Definitely! Its cheesy, hearty nature is perfect for pleasing even the pickiest eaters.

5. How can I make it spicier?
If you want more heat, simply add diced jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning blend.

This Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to your table. With layers of seasoned beef, hearty potatoes, and gooey cheese, this dish shines for any occasion. Easy to customize and quick to whip up, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Embrace the flavorful experience and cherish the joyful moments shared around your dinner table!