Name: Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 2 bell peppers, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups gold potatoes, diced (about 1.5 lbs); 1 oz taco seasoning (1 packet or about 3 tbsp; prefer Siete taco seasoning); 1 1/2 cups salsa; 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded, divided (1 cup + 1/2 cup); Shredded lettuce; Cilantro; Avocado slices; Diced tomatoes; Lime wedges; Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 56 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and downright addictive dish, this Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It brings together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and that irresistible Mexican blend cheese for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just want something cozy on a weeknight, this casserole hits all the right notes with layers of spice, meltiness, and fresh toppings that brighten each bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with wooden handles holds a colorful mix of diced vegetables and ground meat at the bottom layer, showing green, orange, and yellow pieces. On top of this base, there is a mound of bright orange powder spice on the left side, a heap of chunky red tomato sauce in the center, and a pile of shredded white cheese on the right side. Above and to the right of the pan is a small white bowl filled with more shredded white and yellow cheese. The pan and bowl rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this dish is surprisingly straightforward, but each item plays a crucial role in building bold flavors and textures. From the juicy ground beef for heartiness to the diced potatoes that add a comforting base, every component is essential for that perfect Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe.

1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef and cook the veggies with a subtle richness.
1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the savory protein punch and binds the taco flavors.
1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and layers of aromatic depth.
2 bell peppers, diced: Bring vibrant color and a gentle crunch.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the overall savoriness with a fragrant kick.
4 cups gold potatoes, diced (about 1.5 lbs): The soft, starchy base that soaks up all the spices and cheese.
1 oz. taco seasoning (about 3 tbsp): The signature spice mix that brings the Mexican-inspired flair.
1 1/2 cups salsa: Adds tangy juiciness and balances the richness.
1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded, divided: For gooey, cheesy goodness — part mixed in, part melted on top.
Shredded lettuce, cilantro, avocado, tomatoes, limes, sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping: Fresh finishers that brighten every bite beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Brown

First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to get it ready for baking. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up gently with a spatula. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and fragrant. This step builds that savory foundation we all love.

Step 2: Add Veggies and Potatoes

Once the beef has browned, toss in the diced bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, and your diced gold potatoes. Stir everything together, then cover the pan and let it cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir once halfway through to keep things cooking evenly. This softens the potatoes and brings out the sweetness of the veggies.

Step 3: Brown the Potatoes

Remove the cover and continue to cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lets the potatoes develop a golden, slightly crispy edge that adds wonderful texture to the casserole.

Step 4: Mix in Seasoning and Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. This infuses the entire skillet with that iconic taco flavor and introduces creamy cheese throughout the mixture. If you want, transfer this mixture to a 9×9” baking dish, or leave it right in your oven-safe skillet for less cleanup.

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese evenly over the top, then pop your dish into the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and form a bubbly, golden crust that makes this Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe truly irresistible.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a layered dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and green bell pepper pieces with a brownish texture, the middle layer has yellow cooked potato cubes, and the top layer is melted white and light orange cheese mixed with small red tomato pieces and green herbs sprinkled on top. A dollop of white sour cream is on the left side of the plate, and three slices of green avocado are placed on the right side near a fork. The plate rests on a wooden surface with a white and gray striped cloth nearby, and in the background, a brown bowl with red chopped tomatoes and a white bowl with green chopped lettuce sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The magic of this casserole doesn’t stop once it’s out of the oven. Topping it off with fresh shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, ripe avocado slices, juicy tomatoes, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt brings a refreshing contrast that balances the richness and adds a burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

While this casserole is hearty on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm tortillas can turn the meal into a festive feast. You might even serve it alongside refried beans or Mexican rice to round out a classic Tex-Mex dinner experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or scoop portions onto crispy tostada shells. You could also transform leftovers into loaded nachos by adding more cheese on top and baking until bubbly, making your Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe flexible and fun to enjoy in many forms.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy lunch or quick dinner the next day without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, which means you can prepare it in advance and save time on busy nights. Be sure to cool it fully, then wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in a 350-degree F oven until heated through and the cheese is again melty. You can also microwave individual portions for a shortcut, though oven reheating keeps that lovely texture better.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of gold potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creaminess that pairs wonderfully with taco seasonings. Just adjust cooking times slightly since sweet potatoes can cook faster.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans like black or pinto beans. You’ll still get plenty of hearty texture and flavor.

What type of cheese works best?

A Mexican blend cheese is ideal because it melts well and combines several cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla for balanced flavor. But you can use whatever shredded cheese you love.

Can I prepare this dish ahead and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake according to the recipe instructions.

How spicy is the casserole?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. Choose milder versions for a gentle flavor or hotter varieties if you love a bit of a kick, making this recipe easily customizable.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that quickly becomes a household favorite. It’s simple to make, packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, and endlessly versatile for any occasion. So grab your skillet, get those ingredients ready, and dive into this cheesy, savory delight—you won’t regret it!