Can I use different potatoes besides russet?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully and have a buttery flavor that complements the taco seasoning. Red potatoes will also work, though they're waxier and less creamy. Just maintain the same volume of potato chunks regardless of variety.

What can I substitute for the cheddar soup?

If you don't have cheddar soup, you can make a quick substitute by melting 1 cup of shredded cheddar into 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of flour (whisked together over medium heat until thickened). Cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup will also work in a pinch, adding a different but still delicious flavor profile.

My family doesn't like spicy food. How can I adapt this?

This recipe is already quite mild, but you can make it even more family-friendly by using mild taco seasoning, substituting the Rotel with regular diced tomatoes, and choosing a very mild salsa. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for family members who prefer more heat.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply replace the ground beef with an equal amount of plant-based ground meat substitute, or use 2 cups of black beans or pinto beans (drained and rinsed). You can also add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or yellow squash for more texture and nutrition.

Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

Name: Taco Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Base Ingredients; 1.5 lbs russet potatoes; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 medium green bell pepper, diced; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 oz taco seasoning; 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies; ½ cup mild chunky salsa; 1 cup frozen corn; 10.5 oz cheddar soup; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; Optional Garnish; chopped green onions for garnish

This Taco Potato Casserole combines the hearty comfort of potatoes with the bold flavors of a taco night, creating an irresistible family meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Tender potato cubes serve as the base for seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and melty cheese—all coming together in one magnificent dish that bakes while you relax. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something substantial without hours of kitchen time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly Comfort Food: This casserole consistently earns rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters. The familiar taco flavors combined with potato goodness creates something everyone at the table will eagerly dig into.
Make-Ahead Marvel: Prep everything ahead of time, refrigerate, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for dinner—perfect for those hectic evenings when cooking from scratch feels impossible.
One-Dish Wonder: With protein, vegetables, and starch all combined in a single baking dish, you’ll spend less time washing multiple pots and pans and more time enjoying your evening.
Versatile and Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s incredibly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand or dietary preferences you’re accommodating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Russet Potatoes: These create the hearty, filling base of the casserole. Their starchy nature helps them hold up during baking while absorbing all those wonderful taco flavors.
Lean Ground Beef: Provides protein and that classic taco meat flavor. The leaner the beef, the less fat you’ll need to drain.
Yellow Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These aromatics add flavor, nutrition, and color to the dish. They also provide that authentic taco filling texture.
Garlic: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile. Fresh minced garlic makes a noticeable difference but pre-minced works in a pinch.
Taco Seasoning: The magical blend that transforms ordinary ingredients into taco-flavored deliciousness. Use store-bought for convenience or make your own to control the spice level.
Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Adds immediate flavor, moisture, and a hint of heat without extra chopping. The tomato juice helps cook the potatoes to perfection.
Chunky Salsa: Introduces additional texture and layers of pre-seasoned tomato goodness. Mild works well for families, but feel free to go spicier if that’s your preference.
Frozen Corn: Provides sweet pops of flavor and color contrast. No need to thaw beforehand—it’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
Cheddar Soup: Creates a creamy, binding sauce that brings everything together and ensures the casserole isn’t dry. It’s the secret ingredient that makes this dish especially comforting.
Mexican Cheese Blend: Forms that irresistible golden, melty top layer that makes everyone want to dive in. The blend typically includes cheddar, monterey jack, and other complementary cheeses.
Green Onions: Optional garnish that adds freshness, color contrast, and a mild onion flavor to finish the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works wonderfully when you’re short on time.

Potato Options

Sweet potatoes create an interesting sweet-savory contrast, or use a mix of russet and sweet potatoes for the best of both worlds. For a quicker version, frozen diced potatoes can save precious prep time.

Dietary Adaptations

Make it dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and cream of mushroom soup instead of cheddar soup. For lower-carb needs, reduce the potato amount and increase the vegetables.

Heat Level Adjustments

Spice lovers can add diced jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning and spicy salsa. For a milder family version, stick with mild ingredients and offer hot sauce at the table.

How to Make Taco Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wash russet potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into bite-sized cubes about 1/2-inch in size. Spread them evenly in the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. When it’s almost browned, add diced onions and green peppers. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Season and Create the Sauce

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, stirring to evenly coat all the ingredients. Add Rotel tomatoes, salsa, and corn, combining thoroughly. Pour in the cheddar soup and season with salt, then stir until everything is well integrated into a saucy mixture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the meat sauce evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring all potatoes are covered. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top in an even layer. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the casserole is bubbling around the edges, the cheese has developed golden brown spots, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and make serving easier. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and enjoy this delicious one-dish meal!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Potato Preparation: Cut potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking. If time is tight, you can microwave the potato cubes for 4-5 minutes before assembling to get a head start on cooking.
Meat Matters: Don’t overcrowd your pan when browning the beef. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.
Taste As You Go: Before pouring the mixture over the potatoes, taste it and adjust seasonings. This is your chance to make it perfect before it goes in the oven.
Foil Technique: The covered baking time is crucial for cooking the potatoes properly, while the uncovered time creates that irresistible golden cheese top. Don’t skip either step.
Rest Time Is Important: Those five minutes of resting allow the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to serve in neat portions rather than having it fall apart.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of Mexican street corn or cilantro-lime rice makes for a complete fiesta on your plate.

Toppings Bar

Set up a toppings station with sour cream, guacamole, additional salsa, sliced black olives, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. This interactive element lets everyone customize their portion.

Complete the Theme

Serve with margaritas for adults and virgin versions for kids. Warm tortillas on the side allow for creative eating—scoop up some casserole in a soft tortilla for a unique twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing in Advance

Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld together.

Freezing Options

This casserole freezes beautifully both before and after baking. For unbaked casseroles, assemble, cover tightly with foil, then plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For baked leftovers, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Recommendations

Refrigerated leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For a crisper top, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating for refreshed melty goodness.

FAQs

Can I use different potatoes besides russet?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully and have a buttery flavor that complements the taco seasoning. Red potatoes will also work, though they’re waxier and less creamy. Just maintain the same volume of potato chunks regardless of variety.
What can I substitute for the cheddar soup?

If you don’t have cheddar soup, you can make a quick substitute by melting 1 cup of shredded cheddar into 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of flour (whisked together over medium heat until thickened). Cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup will also work in a pinch, adding a different but still delicious flavor profile.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. How can I adapt this?

This recipe is already quite mild, but you can make it even more family-friendly by using mild taco seasoning, substituting the Rotel with regular diced tomatoes, and choosing a very mild salsa. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for family members who prefer more heat.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply replace the ground beef with an equal amount of plant-based ground meat substitute, or use 2 cups of black beans or pinto beans (drained and rinsed). You can also add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or yellow squash for more texture and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Potato Casserole brings together two comfort food favorites into one spectacular dish that’s sure to become a regular request in your home. It strikes that perfect balance of being simple enough for weeknight cooking while impressive enough for casual entertaining. The combination of crispy-edged potatoes, seasoned beef, and that golden cheese topping creates something truly magical that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!