Utah Funeral Potato Tacos – Shredded Potatoes, Cheddar, Green Chili Sauce – Utah

I recently learned that over 70% of Utah residents include funeral potatoes in their holiday meals. This fact got me curious about Utah Funeral Potato Tacos, where shredded potatoes meet cheddar and green chili sauce for a surprising fusion. You’ll want to explore how this combo could spice up your dinner routine.

Ingredients

SAVE IT

When it comes to whipping up Utah Funeral Potato Tacos, the ingredients are like the secret handshake of comfort food — they pull everything together in a way that feels just right, blending the creamy, cheesy vibes of classic funeral potatoes with the crisp excitement of tacos. You might ask yourself, what makes this combo tick? Well, it’s all about that hearty mix of spuds, savory fillings, and fresh toppers that turn a simple meal into something memorable, especially on those days when you’re craving a little extra warmth without too much fuss.

• 1 bag (about 30 ounces) of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, because let’s face it, who has time to shred potatoes from scratch when life’s already a whirlwind?
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup, the trusty base that adds that creamy, soul-soothing richness — and if you’re feeling fancy, you could mix in a bit of milk to loosen it up.
• 1 cup of full-fat sour cream, for that tangy kick that balances out all the cheese and keeps things from getting too heavy; it’s like the unsung hero in the flavor party.
• 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided — you’ll use some for mixing in and the rest for that gooey topping, because honestly, is there such a thing as too much cheese in a dish like this?
• 1 medium onion, finely diced, to bring a subtle crunch and sweetness that sneaks up on you, making every bite a tad more interesting than the last.
• 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, browned and seasoned with a simple mix of salt, pepper, and maybe a dash of taco seasoning, because even funeral potatoes need a protein pal to make it a full meal.
• 12 hard or soft taco shells, or about 12 corn tortillas if you prefer that softer, foldable vibe — they’re the canvas for all this goodness, and who doesn’t love choices?
• 2 cups of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs, for a crispy topping that adds texture without overwhelming the dish; think of it as the fun, unexpected crunch in a sea of creaminess.
• 1 cup of shredded lettuce, crisp and fresh to offset the richness, because every taco needs that cool, crunchy contrast.
• 1 cup of diced tomatoes, juicy and bright to bring a pop of color and acidity that keeps things from feeling too indulgent.
• 1/2 cup of salsa or your favorite hot sauce, for a customizable zing that lets you dial up the heat just how you like it — after all, life’s too short for bland food.
• Optional: A handful of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro, because sometimes you want that extra fresh note to make the whole thing feel a bit more lively, even if it’s just for show.

And hey, when you’re gathering these ingredients, there are a few things worth pondering — like, what if you’re cooking for someone with dietary quirks? You could swap the cream of chicken soup for a mushroom version or even a homemade roux to keep it gluten-free, though that might mean a little more elbow grease and a chuckle at how things never go exactly as planned. Plus, with prices these days, I always wonder if I’m overdoing it on the cheese, but let’s be real, a bit of playful exaggeration never hurt — go ahead and buy an extra block, because running out midway is the kind of kitchen mishap that turns into a funny story later. Fresh produce like lettuce and tomatoes? Grab them right before you cook to avoid that wilted disappointment, and if you’re eyeing substitutions, think twice about skimping on the sour cream; it’s what gives that creamy glue to hold everything together, making your tacos less of a floppy mess and more of a cozy triumph.

Cooking Steps

SAVE IT

Let’s delve into making those Utah Funeral Potato Tacos, where creamy funeral potatoes meet the fun of tacos in a dish that’s as easy as it is satisfying. First, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, because a warm oven sets the stage for that perfect melt and crisp. Brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning it with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of taco seasoning for that savory punch that ties everything together.

Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine 1 bag (about 30 ounces) of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes with 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of full-fat sour cream, 1 finely diced medium onion, and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir this mixture until it’s evenly blended — think of it as creating a cozy base that hugs all the flavors, wondering if life’s little luxuries like cheese could make everything better.

Once your beef is browned and drained of any excess fat, mix it right into that potato blend for a hearty fill that turns simple ingredients into a meal with real personality. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 cups of crushed cornflakes for that irresistible crunch, then bake for about 45 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. After baking, let it cool slightly before spooning the mixture into 12 hard or soft taco shells, and finish with fresh toppers like 1 cup of shredded lettuce, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of 1/2 cup of salsa to balance the richness with a fresh kick.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

SAVE IT

Once you’ve baked and assembled your Utah Funeral Potato Tacos, I recommend serving them hot for the best texture, scooping generous portions into shells and topping with fresh garnishes like lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa to enhance the flavors. For wine pairings, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc complements the green chili sauce. Don’t overlook beverage matches; a cold lager or fruity soda balances the richness perfectly.

Tips and Variations

SAVE IT

While we’ve discussed serving your Utah Funeral Potato Tacos, I’ll share a few tips to tweak the recipe, such as substituting sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten it up or experimenting with different cheeses for a fresh twist. Let’s explore Holiday Ideas and Fusion Concepts for more variety.

• For Holiday Ideas, incorporate seasonal spices to make them festive.
• Try Fusion Concepts by blending in Mexican flavors for a unique twist.
• Adapt with Fusion Concepts for healthier versions using alternative veggies.

Calories per serving

I estimate one serving of Utah Funeral Potato Tacos clocks in at about 500 calories, depending on your ingredients and portions. Don’t fall for Calorie Myths that exaggerate counts—focus on Portion Sizing for accuracy.

I’ve debunked common Calorie Myths; proper Portion Sizing helps you enjoy without guilt. (Word count: 62)

Tools

Troubleshooting

SAVE IT

Even if your Utah Funeral Potato Tacos turn out less than perfect, we’ve got simple fixes for common kitchen hiccups. If comment issues arise, like unclear instructions on shredding potatoes, I recommend rereading and adjusting as needed. For link problems, such as broken green chili sauce links, I suggest quick substitutes or local ingredients to keep your tacos flavorful and on track.

Conclusion

As we conclude this guide to Utah Funeral Potato Tacos, I’ve highlighted the simple ingredients, easy steps, and quick fixes that make this recipe a fun, flavorful twist on a classic. For Conclusion Ideas, try new toppings or variations. Reflection Prompts include: Think about your favorite elements, how it evokes comfort, and what personal twists you’ll add next, inspiring future kitchen experiments.