Taco Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Taco Hashbrown Casserole Recipe | Cheesy & Delicious

I still remember the first time I made this Taco Hashbrown Casserole Recipe—the aroma of taco spices and melting cheese instantly made my whole kitchen smell incredible. After one bite, my family insisted I add it to our weekly dinner rotation! It’s become one of my favorite comfort meals because it’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.

Every scoop delivers crispy potatoes, cheesy goodness, and savory taco-seasoned beef. I’m excited to share it with you because I know you’ll love it too! You can also enjoy similar comfort flavors with a Quick Delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe or try the wholesome Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe for another family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients Section

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for a juicy texture.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds warm, savory depth.
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion – Gives delicious onion flavor without chopping.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Balances the spices.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the seasonings.
• 30 ounces frozen or fresh hash browns – Thick-cut hash browns work best and won’t turn mushy.
• 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup – Helps make the casserole creamy and cohesive.
• 1 ounce taco seasoning packet – Gives the classic taco flavor.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Freshly grated melts smoother and tastes richer.

Note: Serves 6 people.

Variations

Try these variations if you want to personalize your casserole:

• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and a vegan cream soup alternative.
• Lower fat: Replace beef with ground turkey or chicken and use reduced-fat cheese.
• Extra spicy: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning.
• Vegetarian: Swap beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian soup.
• Flavor boost: Mix in corn, black beans, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long everything takes:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

• 9 x 13 baking pan – Holds the casserole and bakes it evenly.
• Skillet – For browning the beef with spices.
• Large mixing bowl – Helps combine everything easily.
• Rubber spatula – Great for mixing and spreading the mixture.
• Oven preheated to 375°F – Bakes the casserole to golden perfection.

How to Make Taco Hashbrown Casserole

Here is the simple process for bringing this casserole together.

Preheat and prep

Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing your 9 x 13 baking pan. This keeps the casserole from sticking and helps it bake evenly.

Brown the beef

Cook the ground beef in a skillet with garlic powder, dried onion, pepper, and salt. Once browned, drain away the excess fat to keep the casserole from getting oily.

Mix the casserole

Combine the hash browns, taco seasoning, cooked beef, cheddar cheese soup, and one cup of shredded cheese in a large bowl. Mix gently until everything is coated.

Bake to perfection

Spread the mixture in your prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Add toppings and serve

Let it cool slightly before serving. You can add sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, or green onions for extra flavor.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some things I’ve learned after making this casserole many times:

• I always grate cheese fresh because it melts smoother and tastes richer.
• I sometimes broil the top for 1–2 minutes to get a slightly crispy finish.
• Letting the casserole rest for five minutes makes it easier to slice cleanly.
• I love adding a dollop of sour cream on each serving—it adds the perfect creaminess.

How to Serve Taco Hashbrown Casserole

This casserole serves beautifully right from the dish, especially with fresh toppings. Add chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or a scoop of guacamole to brighten the flavors. For a fun presentation, spoon portions into small bowls and add a lime wedge on the side.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 533
• Protein: 27 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fat: 32 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Bake it when ready—perfect for stress-free meal planning.

Freezing

Freeze the fully cooked casserole for up to 6 months. Make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping tightly and storing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are some of the best reasons to add this casserole to your rotation:

• Easy to make: Simple steps and basic ingredients keep prep quick.
• Family-friendly: Mild taco flavors and cheesy potatoes make it universally loved.
• Versatile: You can switch proteins, spices, cheeses, or add-ins easily.
• Comforting: Warm, cheesy, and hearty—perfect for busy nights or gatherings.
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients to feed a crowd.

Ben Carraoli

Taco Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Taco Hashbrown Casserole Recipe—the aroma of taco spices and melting cheese instantly made my whole kitchen smell incredible. After one bite, my family insisted I add it to our weekly dinner rotation!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for a juicy texture.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds warm savory depth.
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion – Gives delicious onion flavor without chopping.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Balances the spices.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the seasonings.
• 30 ounces frozen or fresh hash browns – Thick-cut hash browns work best and won’t turn mushy.
• 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup – Helps make the casserole creamy and cohesive.
• 1 ounce taco seasoning packet – Gives the classic taco flavor.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Freshly grated melts smoother and tastes richer.

Method

 

1. Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing your 9 x 13 baking pan. This keeps the casserole from sticking and helps it bake evenly.
2. Cook the ground beef in a skillet with garlic powder, dried onion, pepper, and salt. Once browned, drain away the excess fat to keep the casserole from getting oily.
3. Combine the hash browns, taco seasoning, cooked beef, cheddar cheese soup, and one cup of shredded cheese in a large bowl. Mix gently until everything is coated.
4. Spread the mixture in your prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Let it cool slightly before serving. You can add sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, or green onions for extra flavor.

Notes

• I always grate cheese fresh because it melts smoother and tastes richer.
• I sometimes broil the top for 1–2 minutes to get a slightly crispy finish.
• Letting the casserole rest for five minutes makes it easier to slice cleanly.
• I love adding a dollop of sour cream on each serving—it adds the perfect creaminess.