Tacos & Tex-Mex

Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole

Name: Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 large potatoes, peeled and sliced; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Salt and pepper to taste

By Liana Ironside · June 19, 2026 · Tacos & Tex-Mex

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

I love making casseroles for my family because they're easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and are always a crowd-pleaser. My Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole is one of our favorites - it's a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The best part about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced black olives. And, it's a great way to use up any leftover ground beef or potatoes you have on hand.

I've been making this casserole for years, and it never fails to impress. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese is a match made in heaven, and the addition of Mexican spices gives it a nice kick. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a foodie who loves trying new recipes, this Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole is sure to become a staple in your household.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are straightforward. Plus, it's a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables - the potatoes and cheese are a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a few, this recipe is sure to please. So, let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great way to use up leftover ground beef and potatoes
The casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste
It's a hearty and comforting dish that's sure to please
It's a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables
It's a budget-friendly recipe that won't break the bank

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the ground beef and potatoes until they're tender. This recipe uses a combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese to create a hearty and flavorful casserole that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic until it's browned, then it's mixed with diced tomatoes, beans, and Mexican spices. The potatoes are sliced and layered on top of the beef mixture, and the whole thing is topped with a layer of cheese and baked until golden brown.

The result is a casserole that's both flavorful and nutritious. The ground beef provides a good source of protein, while the potatoes and cheese add complex carbohydrates and calcium. The Mexican spices add a nice kick of flavor without making the dish too spicy.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's easy to customize. You can add your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce, or you can use different types of cheese or spices to give it a unique flavor. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to please.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important thing is to use high-quality ground beef and potatoes, as these will provide the base flavor for the dish. You'll also need some onions, garlic, and Mexican spices to add flavor, as well as some cheese and diced tomatoes to add creaminess and moisture.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest and highest-quality items you can find. This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish. Also, be sure to read the labels and choose ingredients that are low in added salt and sugar.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a high-quality ground beef that is at least 80% lean. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork if you prefer.
2 large potatoes, peeled and slicedChoose high-quality potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho. These will yield a fluffy and tender texture.
1 large onion, dicedChoose a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. You can also use a yellow or white onion if you prefer.
3 cloves garlic, mincedChoose fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use jarred garlic if you prefer.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoesChoose a high-quality diced tomato that is low in added salt and sugar. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsedChoose a high-quality canned bean that is low in added salt and sugar. You can also use cooked beans if you prefer.
1 tsp chili powderChoose a high-quality chili powder that is made from fresh chilies. You can also use ground cumin or paprika if you prefer.
1/2 tsp ground cuminChoose a high-quality ground cumin that is made from fresh cumin seeds. You can also use chili powder or paprika if you prefer.
1/2 tsp paprikaChoose a high-quality paprika that is made from fresh bell peppers. You can also use chili powder or ground cumin if you prefer.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheeseChoose a high-quality shredded cheese that is low in added salt and sugar. You can also use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese if you prefer.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantroChoose fresh cilantro for the best flavor. You can also use parsley or basil if you prefer.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse high-quality salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of the dish. You can also use other seasonings, such as dried oregano or thyme, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer9x13 inch baking dish

How to Make Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and at the right temperature.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes. This will bring out the natural sweetness of the onion and add flavor to the dish.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. This will add a pungent flavor to the dish and complement the onion.
4
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This will ensure that the beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature and is tender.
5
Add the chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. This will add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
6
Stir in the diced tomatoes and red kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the liquid has thickened. This will create a rich and flavorful sauce.
7
While the beef mixture is cooking, slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds. This will ensure that they cook evenly and are tender.
8
In a separate pot, boil the sliced potatoes in salted water until they're tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set them aside. This will cook the potatoes through and make them ready to use in the casserole.
9
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, create a layer of the beef mixture. Top with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat this process until all of the ingredients have been used, ending with a layer of cheese on top. This will create a hearty and flavorful casserole.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will ensure that the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
11
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set.
12
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top of the casserole and serve hot. This will add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish and complement the other ingredients.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the ground beef, as it can become dry and tough.
Use a variety of cheese to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Add your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce, to make the dish more interesting.
Use leftover ground beef and potatoes to make the dish more budget-friendly.
Make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
Use a thermometer to ensure that the casserole is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the ground beef, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can cause the flavors to not meld together.
Not using a thermometer to ensure that the casserole is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not covering the dish with foil during baking, which can cause the top to burn.
Not using a variety of cheese to add depth and complexity to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or chopped onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
Add some heat to the dish by using diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
Use leftover cooked chicken or steak to make the dish more substantial.
Add some freshness to the dish by using chopped cilantro or scallions.
Use a variety of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon golds, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Make the casserole in a slow cooker for a hands-off and convenient meal.

What to Serve With Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole

This Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a great way to use up leftover ground beef and potatoes, and it's also a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste. Serve it with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce, and enjoy!

Some other ideas for serving this casserole include serving it with a side of Mexican rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You could also use it as a filling for tacos or burritos, or serve it with some crusty bread or tortilla chips.

Serve with a side of Mexican riceServe with roasted vegetablesServe with a simple green saladUse as a filling for tacos or burritosServe with crusty bread or tortilla chips

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Mexican Beef And Potato Casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the casserole, simply cover it with foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

It's also a good idea to let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set. This will ensure that the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

In addition to refrigerating or freezing the casserole, you can also make it in a slow cooker for a hands-off and convenient meal. Simply brown the ground beef and cook the potatoes, then add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese to change the flavor profile of the dish. Some options include Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella.

Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the casserole to make it more interesting. Some options include diced bell peppers, chopped onions, or cooked chicken or steak.

How do I reheat the casserole?

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker for a hands-off and convenient meal. Simply brown the ground beef and cook the potatoes, then add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I store the casserole?

To store the casserole, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer.

How do I thaw the casserole?

To thaw the casserole, simply leave it in the fridge overnight or thaw it in the microwave according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The Full Recipe

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