Taco Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Taco Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious and hearty one-dish meal that combines the comforting elements of crispy hashbrowns, flavorful taco meat, and a cheesy, savory topping.

This casserole is the perfect blend of Tex-Mex flavors with a classic comfort food twist. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a weekend brunch, Taco Hashbrown Casserole is sure to impress with its mouthwatering layers and rich flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Taco Meat

1. Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
2. Season the Meat: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about ¼ cup). Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the seasoning. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors are well combined. Set aside.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Hashbrowns: Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly over the bottom of the casserole dish. This will be the base of your casserole, creating a deliciously crispy layer as it bakes.
3. Combine the Creamy Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup), and taco sauce or salsa (if using). This mixture will add creaminess to the casserole.
4. Add Taco Meat and Cheese: Spoon the seasoned taco meat over the hashbrowns. Then, pour the creamy mixture over the top, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

Baking the Casserole

1. Cover the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to keep the casserole moist while it bakes.
2. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
3. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños (if desired), and fresh cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

Taco Hashbrown Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a few simple sides to enhance the flavors. Here are some great serving suggestions:

1. Taco Salad: Serve with a side of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese for a refreshing salad that complements the casserole.
2. Guacamole and Chips: Pair with guacamole and crispy tortilla chips for a fun and flavorful snack.
3. Mexican Rice: A side of Mexican rice or Spanish rice can complement the casserole for a more substantial meal.
4. Refried Beans: Refried beans are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of this casserole.

Recipe Variations

Taco Hashbrown Casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and replace it with black beans, pinto beans, or even a veggie crumble. Add some sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
2. Spicy Version: Add extra jalapeños, diced green chilies, or use a spicy taco seasoning to kick up the heat.
3. Beef and Chicken Combo: Use a mix of ground beef and shredded rotisserie chicken for a blend of flavors and textures.
4. More Veggies: Stir in some frozen corn, diced bell peppers, or sautéed onions to give the casserole even more flavor and color.
5. Gluten-Free: Ensure that the cream of chicken soup and taco seasoning are gluten-free. You can use a gluten-free taco seasoning or make your own from scratch.

Tips for Success

1. Use Thawed Hashbrowns: Make sure the frozen hashbrowns are completely thawed before layering them in the casserole. This helps them crisp up during baking.
2. Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the casserole with foil in the beginning helps the hashbrowns soften and the casserole bake evenly.
3. Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add extra spices depending on your preference for heat and flavor.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for freshly shredded cheese and freshly made taco seasoning when possible.
5. Let It Rest: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Conclusion

Taco Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious, family-friendly meal that combines all the flavors you love about tacos with the heartiness of hashbrowns. Whether you enjoy it as a dinner, brunch, or a dish to feed a crowd, this casserole is versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy. With the option to customize the ingredients and add your favorite toppings, Taco Hashbrown Casserole is a meal that can be made just the way you like it. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Yield: 6

Taco Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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Taco Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious and hearty one-dish meal that combines the comforting elements of crispy hashbrowns, flavorful taco meat, and a cheesy, savory topping. This casserole is the perfect blend of Tex-Mex flavors with a classic comfort food twist. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a weekend brunch, Taco Hashbrown Casserole is sure to impress with its mouthwatering layers and rich flavors.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns, thawed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for added heat)
• 1 cup salsa (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)
• Chopped green onions or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
   
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   Add the diced onion and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook according to the packet instructions. If using homemade taco seasoning, follow your recipe’s instructions.
   
3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salsa (if using), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Add the thawed hashbrowns to the soup mixture and stir to combine. Then, gently fold in the cooked ground beef mixture, green chilies (if using), and half of the Mexican blend cheese.
   
5. Bake:
   Pour the entire casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining Mexican blend cheese and cheddar cheese.
   
6. Bake the Casserole:
   Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If you prefer a crispier top, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
   
7. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving.

Notes

Make it Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.

Add-ins: You can stir in some black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

Freezer-Friendly: This casserole can be frozen before baking for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.