Taco Hashbrown Casserole

This Taco Hashbrown Casserole combines two of your favorite cravings – crispy hashbrowns and seasoned taco meat – into one incredible, cheesy dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this casserole truly special is the way the crispy potato edges contrast with the gooey cheese and savory taco-seasoned beef. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of textures and Mexican-inspired flavors that’ll make this an instant family favorite.

Equipment Needed

• 9 x 13 baking pan
• Oven (adjusted to center rack position)
• Large skillet
• Rubber spatula
• Large mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Meat Base:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean or higher)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon minced dried onion
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Casserole:

• 30 ounces frozen or fresh hash browns
• 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
• 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps

1. Position your oven rack in the center and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Add the garlic powder, minced onion, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains and meat is well-browned. Drain excess fat through a fine-mesh strainer to prevent a greasy casserole.
3. In your large mixing bowl, combine the hashbrowns (no need to thaw), taco seasoning, cooked ground beef, cheddar cheese soup, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Transfer mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to the corners. Top with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. The cheese will form a golden crust while baking.
5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until edges are crispy and cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Insert a knife into the center – hashbrowns should be tender and heated through.

Smart Swaps

• Use turkey ground meat to reduce calories
• Substitute sweet potato hashbrowns for added nutrition
• Try pepper jack cheese for extra heat

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use cauliflower rice (4 cups) instead of hashbrowns to reduce carbs by 65%
• Choose low-fat cheese to maintain protein while reducing calories
• Portion into 1-cup servings (15g net carbs per serving)

Pro Tips

• Pat hashbrowns dry with paper towels before mixing to ensure maximum crispiness
• Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set properly
• For make-ahead prep, assemble everything except cheese topping, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then top with cheese and bake