Taco Hashbrown Casserole

Hearty, cheesy, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavor, Taco Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup. This easy dinner recipe combines seasoned ground meat, crispy hashbrowns, melty cheese, and all your favorite taco flavors in one delicious bake. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something warm, filling, and irresistibly cheesy.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – Just layer, bake, and serve.
Comfort Food Meets Taco Night – Bold flavor and cozy texture all in one dish.
Family Friendly – Kid-approved and endlessly customizable.
Perfect for Leftovers – Even tastier the next day.
Freezer Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 bag (26–30 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for crisping hashbrowns)

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeño slices
• Fresh cilantro
• Salsa or hot sauce
• Avocado or guacamole

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or spoon
• Aluminum foil (for baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Brown the Meat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Drain any excess grease.
Add taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in drained Rotel and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, mix the cream of soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Add the cooked taco meat mixture and stir until fully combined.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread half of the thawed hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Top with the taco-meat-cheese mixture and spread into an even layer.
Add the remaining hashbrowns on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil if you want extra crispiness.

Step 4: Bake and Top with Cheese
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and hashbrowns are lightly golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Top with your favorite taco toppings like green onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Tips for Best Results
Thaw Hashbrowns First – Helps them cook evenly and prevents sogginess.
Use Sharp Cheddar – For bold flavor that cuts through the creamy filling.
Crisp the Top – A quick broil at the end gives a crispy, cheesy crust.
Make It Spicy – Add chopped jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
Add Veggies – Mix in corn, bell peppers, or black beans for extra texture and color.

Serving Suggestions
Taco Tuesday Upgrade – Serve with tortilla chips and salsa.
Simple Green Salad – Balances the richness of the casserole.
Cornbread – For a cozy, filling meal.
Mexican Street Corn – Adds flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Iced Lime Water – A refreshing drink to cleanse the palate.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions or the full baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap well in foil or plastic.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F until hot (about 20–25 minutes).
Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power in 1-minute intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use tater tots instead of hashbrowns?
   Yes! Layer them on top for a fun twist and extra crunch.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Absolutely. Use plant-based crumbles and black beans instead of meat.
3. Is it spicy?
   Not too spicy, but you can adjust heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel or adding hot sauce.
4. Can I make it ahead?
   Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. What’s the best cheese to use?
   Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.

Final Thoughts
Taco Hashbrown Casserole brings together everything you love about tacos and casseroles into one easy, satisfying dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it for dinner, bring it to a potluck, or prep it for a week of lunches, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Try it out and make it your own with your favorite toppings—you’ll want this one on repeat!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 490 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 32g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 800mg

Print