Taco Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold taco flavor, this Taco Hashbrown Casserole is a deliciously easy dinner the whole family will devour. It’s a satisfying mash-up of crispy hashbrowns, seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and melty cheese—all baked to perfection in one comforting casserole dish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping for a potluck, this dish brings the flavor and simplicity you’re looking for.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed – Taco-seasoned beef meets crispy potatoes and gooey cheese.
Easy to Make – Just layer, bake, and serve.
Great for Meal Prep – Perfect to reheat for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike.
Customizable – Swap in your favorite taco toppings or protein options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1½ cups salsa (your preferred spice level)
• 1 (20 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• ½ cup sour cream (adds creaminess)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeño slices
• Avocado or guacamole
• Extra sour cream or hot sauce

Tools You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Taco Beef Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in taco seasoning and cook for another minute.
6. Add salsa and black beans, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Mix the Hashbrown Layer

1. In a large bowl, mix thawed hashbrowns with sour cream, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the hashbrown mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
3. Spoon the beef and salsa mixture over the hashbrowns.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

1. Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and any of your favorite taco toppings.
3. Slice into squares and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Taco Hashbrown Casserole
Thaw Hashbrowns Completely – This helps them cook evenly and blend with the other ingredients.
Use Fresh Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese can be drier and doesn’t melt as well.
Add Veggies – Mix in diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Make It Spicier – Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Double for a Crowd – Easily scale the recipe up for parties or potlucks.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A simple salad with avocado and lime dressing balances the richness.
Cornbread – Serve with a slice of sweet cornbread for a Southern-style meal.
Mexican Rice – Add a scoop on the side for a full plate.
Taco Night Platter – Pair with chips, salsa, and queso for a full taco-themed dinner.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual servings in 30-second intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Is it gluten-free?
   Yes—just be sure your taco seasoning and salsa are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
   You can! Just grate them, rinse, and dry thoroughly before mixing.
4. What’s a good vegetarian option?
   Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and use veggie taco seasoning.
5. Can I add more cheese?
   Absolutely! Add extra on top or stir in more to make it extra gooey.

Final Thoughts
Taco Hashbrown Casserole is the kind of meal that hits the spot every single time. It’s cozy, cheesy, and full of flavor—plus, it’s super easy to make and always disappears fast. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party dish, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your casserole turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mexican

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 580mg

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