Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you love homey food that brings everyone to the table, this recipe will be perfect for you.
This Cheesy Taco Potato Bake is everything you love about tacos, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and zesty flavor, baked into a comforting potato casserole. It’s hearty, cozy, and bursting with that Tex-Mex taste that everyone craves. The crispy potatoes soak up the taco seasoning, while the melted cheese brings everything together in a bubbly, golden layer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those dishes that disappears fast. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, and it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
If you enjoyed the flavor-packed Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage Bake or the warm comfort of my Beef and Noodles Recipe – A Comforting Classic, this taco-inspired bake will be right up your alley.
It’s perfect for game nights, family dinners, or anytime you need something filling and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños for topping
Tip: Swap in sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist, or top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Potato Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook diced potatoes in olive oil until golden and tender (about 10–12 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef and onions until browned. Drain fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a few tablespoons of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add salsa and sour cream; stir to combine.
- Layer cooked potatoes in the baking dish, top with taco mixture, and sprinkle both cheeses on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions or jalapeños before serving.
The smell alone will have everyone gathered in the kitchen before it even comes out of the oven!
Lina’s Cozy Tips
- Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne or pepper jack cheese.
- For meal prep, assemble ahead and bake when ready to eat.
- Serve with guacamole or a simple green salad on the side.
If you love hearty dinners like this, check out my Homemade Sandwich Bread, it’s perfect for soaking up all that cheesy taco flavor!
Print
Cheesy Taco Potato Bake – Easy, Family-Style Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty, cheesy casserole with golden potatoes, seasoned taco beef, and melted cheese, a cozy family dinner full of Tex-Mex flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 packet taco seasoning
4 cups diced potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
Salt & pepper to taste
Green onions, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Cook potatoes in olive oil until golden and tender. Set aside.
3. Brown beef and onions in skillet. Drain fat.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Add salsa and sour cream; mix well.
6. Layer potatoes in baking dish. Top with taco mixture.
7. Sprinkle cheeses on top.
8. Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with toppings and serve warm.
Notes
Make ahead for easy dinners. Add crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex