Discover the Cheesy Taco Twist: A delicious hashbrown casserole bursting with flavors of taco seasoning, melted cheese, crispy hashbrowns, and savory ground beef.
Cheesy Taco Twist: The Ultimate Hashbrown Casserole Delight
Are you on the hunt for a delicious comfort food that brings a fiesta to your taste buds? Let's spice up the classic hashbrown casserole with a cheesy taco twist! This recipe combines zesty taco flavors with creamy hashbrowns in a bubbling dish that will surely become a family favorite. Perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this Cheesy Taco Twist is sure to impress and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup salsa
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns (thawed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced avocados, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced black olives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes or until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add Flavor to Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of salsa (reserve the other 1/2 cup for topping). Let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Hashbrown Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, diced green chilies, and the remaining 1/2 cup of salsa. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the hashbrown mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the seasoned ground beef over the top, and then spread the remaining hashbrown mixture over the beef.
Top with Crunch: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, then evenly distribute the crushed tortilla chips on top for a delightful crunch.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with optional toppings such as fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocados, and black olives for an extra splash of flavor and color.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delightful Cheesy Taco Twist Hashbrown Casserole that blends the familiar comfort of a classic casserole with exciting taco flavors. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking to enjoy some leftovers for lunch, this dish is incredibly versatile and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve it with a crisp green salad for a complete meal, and watch your family and friends keep coming back for more. Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors and the satisfying crunch in every bite!