Taco Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy, bold, and full of Tex-Mex flavor, this Taco Hashbrown Casserole is an easy, satisfying one-dish meal the whole family will love. Perfectly seasoned ground beef is layered with crispy hashbrowns, salsa, black beans, and melted cheese, all baked into a hearty and delicious casserole. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning leftovers, this comfort-food classic brings all the taco goodness in a fun, potato-packed form.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Assemble – Simple layering, no fancy steps.
Crowd-Pleasing – Taco flavor + cheesy potatoes = always a win.
One Dish Meal – Everything you need in one comforting casserole.
Great for Leftovers – Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
Customizable – Add veggies, spice it up, or make it meatless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1½ cups salsa (your choice of mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 (20 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Jalapeño slices
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Extra sour cream or salsa for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Taco Meat

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup of the salsa. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Mix the Hashbrown Base

1. In a large bowl, combine thawed hashbrowns, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Mix until evenly combined.

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 seasoned taco meat over the hashbrowns in an even layer.
4. Top with black beans and the remaining 1 cup of salsa.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
4. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Taco Hashbrown Casserole
Thaw Hashbrowns Fully – This helps them mix well and bake evenly.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – It melts better and adds more flavor.
Spice It Up – Use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Make Ahead – Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Just bake when ready!
Customize It – Add corn, bell peppers, or swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – Add a fresh green salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette.
Mexican Rice – Serve a scoop alongside for a heartier meal.
Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips are great for scooping up leftovers.
Fruit Salad – A sweet and tangy fruit salad balances the richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 20 minutes, covered.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
   Yes! Just grate them, rinse well, and pat dry thoroughly before using.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Absolutely—swap the meat for more beans, lentils, or a plant-based crumble.
3. Can I use taco sauce instead of salsa?
   Yes, though the texture may be slightly thinner. Use slightly less to avoid sogginess.
4. What’s the best way to add veggies?
   Stir in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach with the beef or hashbrowns.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes! Use a larger baking dish or divide between two pans and bake slightly longer.

Final Thoughts
This Taco Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate fusion of Tex-Mex flavor and classic comfort food. It’s hearty, cheesy, and easy to throw together—perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy all the deliciousness of tacos, in cozy casserole form.

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 your version.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 650mg

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