Name: Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (cooked); 1 yellow onion (diced); 2 tsp garlic (minced); 28 oz diced potatoes; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies; 1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tbsp taco seasoning; 2½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)

If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl with all the zest and comfort of a taco night, but way easier!

A close-up of a rich, creamy cheesy dish showing multiple layers mixed together in a white bowl set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer has cooked ground meat and small soft potato cubes, creating a textured, chunky base in light brown and pale yellow shades. Above this, a thick layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese covers the meat and potatoes, with a glossy, slightly oily surface. There are small diced red bell peppers and evenly scattered chopped green onions on top, adding bright red and green colors that stand out. A wooden spoon lifts a serving, showing the thick, gooey cheese stretching and coating the mixed ingredients in a warm, comforting way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this casserole. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually effortless—perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without slaving away in the kitchen.

Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: Just throw everything in the Crockpot and let it do its thing while you relax or handle your day.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with taco seasoning for that irresistible Mexican-inspired flavor.
Hearty and Filling: Tender potatoes and savory ground beef make this casserole incredibly satisfying for both kids and adults.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes 6 generous servings that taste even better as leftovers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this casserole is a breeze, and most of the ingredients are staples you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each component is key to making this dish delicious.

Flat lay of cooked browned ground beef in a simple white ceramic bowl, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, a small white bowl with minced garlic, diced potatoes in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of diced fresh tomatoes mixed with chopped green chilies, a small white bowl containing creamy cheddar cheese soup, a small white bowl of thick sour cream, a small white bowl with vibrant reddish-brown taco seasoning powder, and shredded bright orange cheddar cheese spread evenly in a white ceramic bowl, all arranged symmetrically with fresh natural textures and colors, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: I like using lean ground beef and browning it well for that rich, caramelized flavor that forms the base of this dish.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the spices perfectly once cooked down.
Garlic: Just a touch of minced garlic brings warmth and aromatics that elevate the whole casserole.
Diced potatoes: The star carbohydrate—these get tender and soak up all the creamy taco goodness.
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: A classic for that subtle heat and fresh tomato bite that livens up the mix.
Cheddar cheese soup: Creates a velvety, cheesy base that binds everything together beautifully.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang, balancing out the spices and enriching the sauce.
Taco seasoning: The secret to that authentic Mexican-inspired kick, melding all ingredients with bold, festive flavor.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Used in two stages—mixed in and melted on top—for the ultimate gooey, cheesy finish.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to dial up the spice, sneak in extra veggies, or keep it classic and comforting, you can easily make this dish your own.

Variation: For a spicier twist, I like to swap out regular taco seasoning for a hot variety and add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It brings an exciting kick that wakes up the flavors without overpowering the creamy, cheesy base.
Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans or cooked lentils for a hearty, meat-free casserole that still delivers on flavor and texture.
Extra veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini with the potatoes to boost nutrition and add more vibrant colors to your plate.
Cheese choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterrey Jack or pepper jack to tweak the flavor profile while keeping that gooey, melty goodness.
Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and sour cream to trim down the calories without sacrificing taste.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

The image shows two white plates holding a cheesy potato and ground meat dish with visible chunks of potatoes and small pieces of red tomato mixed in, covered in melted yellow-orange cheese and topped with chopped green onions. Behind the plates, there are two white ramekins, one filled with shredded orange cheddar cheese and the other with white sour cream. A red and white checkered cloth is draped on a white marbled surface beneath everything, adding a cozy touch. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Build Flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully browned and the onions become soft and translucent. To maximize flavor, let the beef develop a caramelized crust—it adds a beautiful depth to the casserole. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily, then transfer the mixture to your Crock Pot.

Step 2: Mix in Potatoes and Creamy Ingredients

Next, add diced potatoes, a can of cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, taco seasoning, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the Crock Pot with your beef mixture. Use a sturdy spoon to stir everything together until it’s evenly combined. At this point, the mixture should feel creamy and thick, with all those savory and cheesy flavors coming together beautifully.

Step 3: Slow Cook for Perfect Tenderness

Cover that Crock Pot, and cook your casserole on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The slow cooking melts the cheese, softens the potatoes perfectly, and lets all those seasonings meld into a rich, comforting dish. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the aroma fills your kitchen with mouthwatering warmth.

Step 4: Add the Final Melty Cheese Layer

Once the main cooking time is up, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Pop the lid back on and let it cook for another 15 minutes. This extra step creates a deliciously gooey, cheesy top layer that’s irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy with Your Favorite Toppings

Now for the fun part—serve your Creamy Taco Potato Casserole hot, straight from the Crock Pot, and dress it up with your favorite toppings. I love adding sliced jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or an extra dollop of sour cream for that cool contrast. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for busy days ahead. Dig in and enjoy!

Top Tip

These handy tips can help you get the most flavor and perfect texture from your Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe every single time.

Brown the Beef Thoroughly: I always make sure to brown the ground beef until it develops a nice caramelized crust. This extra step really amps up the flavor and gives the casserole more depth.
Drain the Grease Well: After cooking the meat, draining excess grease is key to avoiding a greasy casserole. Trust me, it makes a big difference in the final dish!
Cheese Timing Matters: Adding most of the cheddar cheese into the mix before cooking gives it that creamy gooey texture, but reserving some cheese for the final 15 minutes on top creates a beautiful melted, golden crust.
Customize the Heat: I’ve learned that adding a pinch of cayenne or using a spicy taco seasoning perfectly tunes the casserole’s heat level to your preference without overpowering the other flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe

A large black bowl holds four separate layers of ingredients side by side from left to right: a pile of white diced vegetables mixed with small bits of green and red, a stack of smooth yellow butter blocks with some shredded yellow cheese scattered on top, and a heap of uncooked ground meat topped with a sprinkling of brown seasoning powder. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your warm casserole with fresh, vibrant garnishes to elevate every bite. Some of my favorites include sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten the dish, diced ripe tomatoes for juiciness, and a dollop of sour cream to add cool creaminess that balances the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette or some charred street corn (elote) makes for a well-rounded meal. You could also serve it alongside warm corn tortillas or simple steamed vegetables for added freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 20–25 minutes if refrigerated, or 30–40 minutes if thawed from frozen. You can also microwave individual servings until hot, but baking helps keep the texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can adapt the recipe by using the sauté function to brown the beef and onions, then adding the rest of the ingredients and cooking on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Just be sure to release the pressure carefully and sprinkle the final cheese layer before serving.

What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?

I recommend diced red or Yukon gold potatoes because they hold their shape well during slow cooking and become tender without turning mushy.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese soup with something else?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use a homemade cheese sauce or cream of mushroom soup as a substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly. The key is to maintain that creamy, cheesy base.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning. You can easily adjust the spice by choosing a hot taco seasoning or adding extra jalapeños or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a slow-cooked, cheesy casserole like this one. The Creamy Taco Potato Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors to deliver dinner that feels like a warm hug. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do — it’s perfect for busy days when you want hearty, satisfying food without the fuss. Happy cooking!