Name: Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 45 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (cooked); 1 yellow onion (diced); 2 tsp garlic (minced); 28 oz diced potatoes; 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies; 1 can cheddar cheese soup; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tbsp taco seasoning; 2½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)

You’re going to love how effortlessly delicious this Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole Recipe comes together. Imagine tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese all slow-cooked into one hearty, comforting dish perfect for any busy weeknight.

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 Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Crockpot beefy potato taco dish more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress everyone at the table. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Simple Prep: You just brown the beef and toss everything in the slow cooker—no complicated steps needed.
One-Pot Meal: Saves you from dirtying a ton of dishes and still delivers layers of flavor.
Hearty & Filling: Potatoes and cheese blend perfectly with spiced beef for a comforting dinner.
Customizable Toppings: Add jalapeños, cilantro, or sour cream to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, I always make sure to grab quality ingredients that bring the casserole together with easy prep. Here’s what I use and why each element is a key player in this tasty slow cooker meal.

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 choose lean ground beef for great flavor without too much grease to keep things balanced.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once it softens and blends with the beef.
Garlic: Just a couple teaspoons of minced garlic bring that warm, aromatic punch.
Diced potatoes: The hearty base—pro tip: use fresh or frozen diced potatoes for easy layering.
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: These add moisture, subtle spice, and that classic taco flair.
Cheddar cheese soup: Creamy and cheesy, this soup makes the casserole super rich and smooth.
Sour cream: Balances the heat and tang with creamy goodness.
Taco seasoning: Packs in the authentic Mexican spices without extra effort.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): I split the cheese between mixing it in and melting it on top to keep it extra melty and cheesy.

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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

One of the best things about this Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste buds. Whether you like things mild or with a little extra kick, there’s room to make this recipe truly your own.

Vegetarian Twist: I once swapped out the ground beef for a hearty mix of black beans and corn. It was just as comforting and packed with protein, perfect for Meatless Monday nights.
Spice It Up: Using a spicy taco seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper gave my casserole a welcome heat that really woke up the flavors. Great for those who love a little fire on their plate!
Fresh Toppings Galore: I love topping mine with sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. These add bursts of freshness and a nice contrast to the cheesy richness.
Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese to switch up the flavor profile while keeping that cheesy goodness front and center.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco 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 Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef, along with diced yellow onion and 2 teaspoon of minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is fully browned and the onions soften into sweetness. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain off any excess grease so the casserole doesn’t turn out greasy—this step really keeps flavors clean and rich. Once that’s done, transfer your savory beef mixture into the Crock Pot.

Step 2: Mix in Potatoes, Cheese Soup & Seasonings

Next, add 28 ounces of diced potatoes, 1 can of cheddar cheese soup, ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the Crock Pot. Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies for a flavorful, spicy punch. Stir gently but thoroughly so all the ingredients blend evenly—the potatoes will soak up the seasoning and cheese beautifully during cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 4 hours, or if you're short on time, use the high setting for 2½ hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbling with cheesy goodness. The slow cooking melds all those comforting flavors together, creating a rich, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.

Step 4: The Cheesy Finale

Once the timer goes off, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let it cook for another 15 minutes. This final step melts the cheese perfectly, creating a golden, gooey topping that’s simply irresistible.

Step 5: Serve & Customize

Serve your Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole hot, fresh from the slow cooker. I like to pile on my favorite toppings—maybe some sliced jalapeños for heat, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for brightness, diced tomatoes for freshness, and an extra dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Each bite is a perfect balance of cheesy, spicy, and comforting.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most from your Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole Recipe, ensuring it’s flavorful, perfectly cooked, and easy to prepare every time.

Brown the Beef Well: I’ve found that browning the ground beef until it develops a nice caramelized crust adds layers of rich flavor that really elevate this dish.
Don’t Skip Draining: Draining excess grease after cooking the beef keeps the casserole from getting greasy, which keeps the texture just right.
Layer the Cheese: Adding most of the cheese halfway through cooking and then sprinkling the rest on top at the end creates that melty, bubbly cheddar topping everyone loves.
Use Quality Taco Seasoning: I once underestimated seasoning strength—using a good taco seasoning blend or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper really brings a nice kick.

How to Serve Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco 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

To really bring out the Tex-Mex vibe, garnish your casserole with fresh sliced jalapeños for a spicy bite, chopped cilantro for brightness, diced tomatoes for freshness, or a generous dollop of sour cream to cool things down. Even sliced green onions add a lovely crisp contrast!

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, some warm corn tortillas or tortilla chips to scoop it up, and maybe a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete, satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes nicely! Let it cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best consumed within 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh diced potatoes?

Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used. Just be mindful they may cook faster, so check for tenderness a little earlier when slow cooking.

Can I prepare this casserole in the oven instead of a Crock Pot?

Absolutely! Transfer the combined ingredients to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until potatoes are tender, topping with cheese near the end to melt.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

Sure! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or extra beans, and use a vegetarian taco seasoning. This keeps the hearty texture without the meat.

How spicy is this casserole, and can I adjust the heat?

The casserole has mild to moderate heat depending on your taco seasoning. You can easily adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or adding cayenne or fresh jalapeños to taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about the melty cheese, tender potatoes, and seasoned beef all slow-cooked into one easy Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole Recipe. Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or hosting friends, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and simplicity. I hope you enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite as much as I do!