Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of tacos into a convenient, one-dish meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, tortillas, cheese, and a zesty tomato-based sauce come together in a cheesy, baked casserole that is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep.

This dish is easy to assemble, customizable, and requires minimal prep work while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and layers of tortillas ensures every bite is satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Taco Casserole because it’s a complete meal in a single dish—no separate sides required! It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet you can customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your family.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or making ahead of time for meal prep. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good the next day, making it a convenient and practical recipe.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Flavor-packed: Every layer is rich with seasoned beef, beans, and melted cheese.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 45 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Swap proteins, beans, or vegetables as you like.
• Comfort food at its best: Cheesy, hearty, and satisfying in every bite.

Once you try it, Taco Casserole becomes a staple for easy weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~450 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade blend: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips or quarters
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
5. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Season the Beef

1. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water (about ¼ cup).
2. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until beef is coated and sauce thickens.

Step 4: Add Beans and Veggies

1. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.
2. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

1. Spread a small amount of beef mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Layer tortilla pieces over the beef mixture.
3. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese over the tortillas.
4. Repeat layers (beef mixture → tortillas → cheese) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with sour cream and chopped cilantro if desired.
3. Serve hot.

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How to Serve

• Serve as a main course with:
  • A side salad
  • Mexican rice or quinoa
  • Tortilla chips
• Top with:
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Jalapeños
  • Extra shredded cheese

Recipe Tips

• Layering: Make sure to layer tortillas evenly for even texture.
• Cheese: Use a good melting cheese blend for creamy, gooey layers.
• Taco seasoning: Homemade seasoning works perfectly if you want to avoid store-bought packets.
• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake when ready.

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Extra Flavor: Mix in roasted garlic or taco sauce to the layers.
• Taco Bowls: Serve layered casserole in individual bowls with toppings for a deconstructed version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing:
  • Assemble the casserole unbaked and wrap tightly in foil.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until heated through.
• Leftover reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater

Conclusion

Taco Casserole is a flavorful, hearty, and family-friendly dish that combines the best flavors of tacos in a convenient, one-dish meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, it’s easy to assemble, customizable, and packed with cheesy, savory goodness.

This casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired comfort food—quick to make, endlessly versatile, and delicious from the first bite to the last.

Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of tacos into a convenient, one-dish meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, tortillas, cheese, and a zesty tomato-based sauce come together in a cheesy, baked casserole that is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Mexican Course: Dinner

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Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 pound (450 g)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 can (10 oz)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 8 small 8–10 corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips or quarters
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the Beef : Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: Season the Beef : Add taco seasoning and a splash of water (about ¼ cup). Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until beef is coated and sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Add Beans and Veggies : Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
5. Step 5: Layer the Casserole : Spread a small amount of beef mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer tortilla pieces over the beef mixture. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese over the tortillas. Repeat layers (beef mixture → tortillas → cheese) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
6. Step 6: Bake : Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Garnish and Serve : Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

Keywords: Taco Casserole