Taco Bell Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Name: Taco Bell Cheesy Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 pounds russet potatoes, diced; 1 packet taco seasoning, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar; 1 cup nacho cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 4 Tablespoons mild taco sauce; 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6 and features a delicious combination of crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, and cheesy goodness. Ingredient quantities are adjusted automatically, but cooking times and steps remain the same.

3 pounds russet potatoes, diced
1 packet taco seasoning, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup nacho cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons mild taco sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Preheat your oven to 450F (235C).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and the salt. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Lower the oven temperature to 400F (200C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with the remaining taco seasoning and drain excess grease if necessary.
Transfer the baked potatoes to an 8x10-inch casserole dish. Pour half of the nacho cheese over the potatoes, then layer the cooked ground beef on top. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese and drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of taco sauce.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top the casserole with sour cream and the remaining nacho cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful layers.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 692
Fat: 31g (40% DV)
Saturated Fat: 13g (66% DV)
Cholesterol: 139mg (46% DV)
Sodium: 1072mg (47% DV)
Carbohydrates: 57g (21% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 6g (21% DV)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 45g (89% DV)
Vitamin C: 20mg (22% DV)
Calcium: 401mg (31% DV)
Iron: 7mg (38% DV)
Potassium: 1928mg (41% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is based on available data. Consult your healthcare provider for medically restrictive diets.

The Story Behind Taco Bell Cheesy Potato Casserole

The Taco Bell Cheesy Potato Casserole is a beloved comfort food that traces its roots back to the fast-food innovations of the 1990s. Inspired by the chains popular fiesta potatoes, this casserole transforms the familiar crispy, seasoned potatoes into a hearty, baked dish enriched with ground beef, cheddar, and nacho cheese. It was originally developed as a copycat recipe to bring the Tex-Mex flavors of Taco Bell into home kitchens, allowing fans to recreate the indulgent experience of the restaurant without leaving the house.

Regional Variations and Influences

While firmly rooted in American fast-food culture, the casserole carries a Southwestern flair that reflects the flavors of Texas and the broader Southwestern United States. Regional adaptations often vary in spice levels: in the Southwest, cooks may add jalapeos or hot taco sauce for an extra kick, while versions in other regions might focus on creamy cheese blends for a milder taste. Some areas even incorporate local ingredients, such as smoked paprika or green chiles, to give the dish a signature touch.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional potato casseroles that focus solely on potatoes and cheese, this dish combines the savory punch of seasoned ground beef with multiple layers of cheese and taco sauce. It distinguishes itself from classic nacho or taco recipes by integrating diced, baked potatoes as a base rather than using tortilla chips. The layering techniquepotatoes, nacho cheese, beef, cheddar, and taco saucecreates a texture and flavor profile that balances crispy edges with gooey, melty cheese, making it uniquely satisfying.

Where Its Commonly Served

This casserole is most often enjoyed in casual, family-friendly settings. Its a popular choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and game-day gatherings due to its ease of preparation and ability to feed multiple people. Some restaurants and cafes that specialize in Tex-Mex or comfort food may serve a similar version as a shareable side dish, often garnished with sour cream, pico de gallo, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

One fascinating aspect of the Taco Bell Cheesy Potato Casserole is its connection to the fast-food copycat trend, which became especially popular among home cooks eager to replicate restaurant favorites. Despite its seemingly simple ingredients, the casseroles flavor complexity relies on layering and seasoning techniques that echo the flavor engineering used by large chains. Additionally, it has inspired countless variations online, with enthusiasts experimenting with ingredients such as ground turkey, vegetarian alternatives, or even sweet potato bases to cater to diverse tastes. Fun fact: in some communities, this casserole has become a staple at tailgate parties, earning a reputation as a comfort food that combines nostalgia with modern convenience.

FAQ about Taco Bell Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. After assembling the casserole (before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes, and then bake according to the recipe instructions.

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. After assembling the casserole (before baking), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake according to the recipe instructions.

Yes, you can swap the cheddar cheese and nacho cheese for other varieties, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier version. Keep in mind that different cheeses melt at different rates, so the texture may vary slightly.

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes.

Yes, you can make this casserole vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a meat substitute such as plant-based ground meat or beans. You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.

If you don't have taco seasoning, you can easily make your own by combining chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the quantities to your taste.

To add more spice, you can use spicy taco sauce or add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the casserole. You can also use a spicy cheese like pepper jack to enhance the heat.

Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they crisp up well in the oven, but you can substitute them with other potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

If you have leftover nacho cheese sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water to thin it out if necessary.

If you prefer not to bake the potatoes, you can sauté them in a skillet with the oil and seasoning. Just make sure to cook them until they are crispy and golden brown before adding them to the casserole.

Comments

Cynthia Hill

01/31/2024 08:59:22 PM

Absolutely outstanding! The taste was exceptional. However, the preparation time listed as 15 minutes seemed quite optimistic. It took me a good hour to cube 3 lbs of potatoes, boil and season them, then brown 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef, shred cheddar cheese, and layer everything with nacho cheese and taco sauce. It definitely requires a team effort unless you're a super speedy chef. To round out the meal, I also made a pan of southern cornbread, which paired perfectly with the casserole.

Michael Brown

07/05/2024 04:42:41 PM

I'm curious about the type of nacho cheese you used. The one I purchased was thick and difficult to spread. Despite that, it was tasty and quite satisfying.

Helen Williams

07/24/2023 06:11:51 AM

Great recipe!

audio version

Cook Time: 15 minutes