Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Taco Meat and Mashed Potato Bake. Combining the heartiness of mashed potatoes with the zesty flavors of taco-seasoned beef, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow this detailed recipe to create a delicious meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust as needed)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Taco Meat:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup canned chilis, chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or spicy cheese blend
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing
Instructions:
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the sliced potatoes in salted water for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender enough that a knife slides through easily. Drain the water.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add sour cream, butter, milk, green onions, and cracked black pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Making the Taco Meat:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: To the skillet, add onions, bell peppers, chilis, and taco seasoning. Pour in the water and stir well. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the mixture is well combined.
Assembling the Bake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Form Mashed Potato Patties: Divide the mashed potatoes into 4 large or 6 small portions. Form each portion into a patty and make a well in the center. Place these patties into the prepared casserole dish.
- Fill the Patties: Sprinkle a layer of cheese inside the well of each mashed potato patty. Add a scoop of the taco meat mixture on top of the cheese. Finish by adding more cheese over the meat.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the dish is heated through.
Serving:
Serve this Cheesy Taco Meat and Mashed Potato Bake hot, garnished with additional green onions or a dollop of sour cream if desired. This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, making it a hit for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Enjoy your meal!