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Taco Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
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.