Delicious Taco Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
The aroma of freshly cooked ground beef, the sizzle of savory taco seasoning, and the comforting taste of creamy mashed potatoes – my taco mashed potato casserole recipe is guaranteed to make your taste buds sing with joy. If you’re a fan of comfort food or simply crave an easy and delicious dinner, then this recipe is perfect for you.
As someone who’s passionate about cooking, I believe that nothing beats a hearty and filling dish that makes you feel at home. And that’s why I created this recipe. It’s versatile, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make – all while being bursting with flavor.
You don’t have to be a master chef to whip up something tasty and impressive in the kitchen. With just a few common ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can make this luscious and mouthwatering meal in no time.
So, whether you’re feeding a big family or looking for a meal-prep option that freezes well, my taco mashed potato casserole recipe won’t disappoint. Get ready to enjoy a classic and wholesome dish that will leave everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a crispy potato crust topped with a cheesy, savory filling made from taco-spiced beef and creamy mashed potatoes. Does it make your mouth water? It should.
This Taco Mashed Potato Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and texture. But why should you add it to your recipe collection? Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, it’s easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and simple instructions, even novice cooks can whip up this casserole in no time. And if you have leftover mashed potatoes or ground beef, they can be easily repurposed into this delicious dish.
Secondly, it’s versatile. Want to mix up the meat? Try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Prefer more spice? Adjust the amount of taco seasoning accordingly. The possibilities are endless.
Thirdly, it’s a crowd pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a potluck with friends, this casserole is sure to impress. With its fusion of taco flavors and classic mashed potatoes, it’s a dish that appeals to everyone.
Lastly, it’s comforting and satisfying. There’s something about digging into a warm, hearty casserole that just feels like home. This Taco Mashed Potato Casserole recipe hits all the right notes – it’s cheesy, filling, and flavorful – making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
So next time you’re in need of a cozy meal that’s both quick and easy, and oh-so-delicious, give this Taco Mashed Potato Casserole a try. Trust me – your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 ½ cups Mashed Potatoes (you can also use left over mashed potatoes, omit the heavy cream and butter)
- 1 package taco seasoning mix (divided- 1/2 for the beef, 1/2 for the mashed potatoes)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter (2/3 stick)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salsa (optional for topping)
Notes:
– Use grown Idaho potatoes for best results
– You could also use mashed potato flakes that already contain butter or sour cream.
– For those who are vegetarian, omitting the beef and using mushroom or textured vegetable protein would suffice.
These ingredients can easily be found at your local grocery store. They may already be in your pantry, especially if you cook regularly.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients prepped, it’s time to get started on making this delicious taco mashed potato casserole!
Step 1: Preheat the oven
First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Brown the beef and onion
In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Step 3: Add the taco seasoning
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Add 1 packet of taco seasoning mix to the beef and onion, along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir until everything is evenly coated in seasoning.
Step 4: Prepare the mashed potatoes
While your beef is cooking, prepare your mashed potatoes according to your preferred recipe. You’ll need about 2 cups of mashed potatoes for this casserole.
Step 5: Layer in a baking dish
Once everything is prepped, it’s time to start layering! In a greased baking dish, layer half of the mashed potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
Step 6: Add the beef mixture
Spread all of the beef mixture evenly on top of the mashed potatoes.
Step 7: Top with remaining mashed potatoes
Layer the remaining mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture.
Step 8: Sprinkle with cheese
Finally, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your casserole.
Step 9: Bake in oven
Place your casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once finished cooking, remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy this delicious taco mashed potato casserole hot out of the oven!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making this taco mashed potato casserole recipe, there are a few easy substitutions and variations you can make to switch things up.
Firstly, you could substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, healthier option. Alternatively, vegetarians could swap out the meat altogether and use a plant-based meat alternative instead.
If you’re looking for a spicier kick to your casserole, simply add some diced jalapenos or diced green chilis to the mix. You could also add some corn or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
For those who love cheese, consider using a different type of cheese instead of cheddar. Pepper jack or monterey jack would give the dish a nice spicy kick, while parmesan would give it a slightly nutty flavor.
Finally, if you don’t have mashed potatoes on hand, you don’t need to worry. You can use freshly boiled potatoes that have been mashed with butter and milk or instant potato flakes that have been reconstituted with milk and butter.
Overall, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
This taco mashed potato casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for serving as a main course for dinner or lunch. You can serve it along with some fresh salad or sliced avocados on the side to complete your meal.
If you want to pair this dish with some wine, I recommend going for a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. These wines have enough tannins and acidity to balance out the richness of the cheese and potatoes in the casserole.
For beer lovers, try pairing this dish with a classic Mexican lager like Corona or Dos Equis. Their crisp and refreshing taste will cut through the richness of the casserole and complement the spicy flavors from the taco seasoning mix.
Alternatively, you can also pair this dish with some non-alcoholic beverages like iced tea or lemonade. Their sweet and tart flavors are a great contrast to the savory flavors of the casserole.
No matter how you decide to serve it, this tasty taco mashed potato casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making this taco mashed potato casserole ahead of time is a game-changer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook. To make ahead, assemble the casserole without baking it and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.
If you have any leftovers, be sure to let them cool at room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This recipe will last for up to four days stored in the fridge. But let’s face it, with how delicious it is, it’s unlikely to last that long!
To reheat the casserole, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If the casserole is still cold in the middle, you may need to increase the baking time.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s versatile enough to be reheated in multiple ways! For the sake of variety, here are three ways you can reheat your taco mashed potato casserole:
1. Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once heated, place the casserole on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and reheat for 20-25 minutes, or until hot throughout.
2. Microwave – Microwave leftover portions of the casserole on high for approximately 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
3. Stovetop – Cut individual portions of the cold casserole and heat them up on a non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot throughout.
Enjoy your flavorful taco mashed potato casserole even on your busiest nights by following these tips!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your Taco Mashed Potato Casserole is a hit, here are some tips to make it perfect every time.
Firstly, when making the mashed potatoes, be sure to use a high starch potato such as Idaho potatoes. These potatoes have less water content and more starch which makes them perfect for mashing.
Next, after boiling the potatoes, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. This step will allow any excess water in the potatoes to evaporate and will result in creamier mashed potatoes when mixed with the butter and heavy cream.
When making the ground beef mixture for the casserole, make sure you brown the meat thoroughly before adding the onion and taco seasoning. The onion should also be chopped finely to ensure that it cooks evenly with the beef.
When layering the casserole dish, start with a layer of mashed potatoes at the bottom followed by ground beef mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients have been used up. Finally, top off the casserole with an extra layer of shredded cheese for an ooey-gooey finish.
When baking in the oven, cover the casserole with foil for most of the cooking time to avoid burning. For the last 10-15 minutes of baking, remove the foil to get a crispy golden-brown top.
Finally, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving it alongside diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, avocado wedges or any other toppings of your choice.
Follow these tips and your Taco Mashed Potato Casserole recipe will be an instant crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
As we near the end of this taco mashed potato casserole recipe guide, you might be left with some questions or concerns about certain steps or ingredients. Don’t worry, I’m here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that may arise while preparing this recipe. So let’s address them one by one to help you achieve a perfect result every time!
What does Gordon Ramsay put in his mashed potatoes?
When it comes to enhancing the flavor of mashed potatoes, using a combination of salt and pepper is highly recommended. However, to achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the dish, milk proves to be an essential component. Whether using liquid milk or powdered milk, adding it to the potatoes can bring a velvety quality to the final product. Keep these key ingredients in mind as you create your perfect mashed potatoes.
How do restaurants keep mashed potatoes hot?
If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants keep their mashed potatoes fresh and warm for serving, there are a few methods that they commonly use. In addition to utilizing a slow cooker, restaurants often use warming drawers, insulated containers, crock pots, or the covered double broiler approach to maintain the perfect temperature.
Can you use milk instead of heavy cream for mashed potatoes?
Making mashed potatoes and wondering if you can swap out the heavy cream? Absolutely! But be warned, dairy in mashed potatoes can be quite versatile. While heavy cream is a classic choice, there are other substitutes that can work just as well depending on your desired outcome. I recommend whole milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, or even onion cream. Just keep in mind that each has its own unique flavor and texture that may affect the final product.
What does cream of tartar do to mashed potatoes?
For achieving a smooth and fluffy mashed potato texture, adding cream of tartar can do the trick, while also helping you obtain a meringue-like consistency. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This simple addition can make a major difference in the taste and texture of your mashed potatoes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Taco Mashed Potato Casserole recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty and delicious meal. With easy-to-find ingredients and clear instructions, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of their own homes. The versatility of this casserole allows for endless variations and substitutions to suit any taste preference. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to please.
Don’t be skeptical, give it a try! I promise this dish will not disappoint in flavor or convenience. So head to the grocery store, grab your ingredients, and let your taste buds experience the magic of this mouth-watering Taco Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
Taco Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated prepared mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 lb lean ground meat
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 (14 3/4 ounce) can cream-style corn
- 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine potato, cheese and egg and set aside.
- Place beef and onion in a skillet over mediun high heat, cook, stirring to break up beef, until beef is browned.
- Pour off excess fat, add corn and taco mix, and stir to combine.
- Place beef mixture in a 8x8 inch baking dish, top with potato mixture and bake 25-30 minutes.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.