Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco Casserole offers the best of both worlds – the delicious, bold flavors of tacos and the warmth and comfort of a baked casserole. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite ingredients. From ground beef to chicken or even beans for a vegetarian version, this casserole is packed with flavor and can easily be adjusted to your taste. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, seasoned meat, and gooey cheese makes every bite irresistible, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving at a party.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles)
1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional, for added protein and fiber)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Ro*Tel)
1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on preference)
1 bag (10 oz) tortilla chips, crushed (or corn tortillas, cut into strips)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend of cheese)
1 cup sour cream (for topping, optional)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional, for garnish)
1 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for garnish)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
Cook the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix (and a splash of water if needed, based on the seasoning packet’s instructions) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the seasoning is well blended into the meat. Add the salsa, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans (if using). Stir to combine, and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Assemble the casserole: In your prepared baking dish, layer the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom. Spread the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat mixture.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Top with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, green onions, shredded lettuce, cilantro, and black olives.
Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy the comforting, flavorful Taco Casserole!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or meatless crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or use a spicier salsa to turn up the heat.
Taco Casserole with rice: Add cooked rice to the meat mixture for a heartier casserole. This will also help to absorb the extra juices.
Cheesy version: For extra cheese, mix in a cup of cream cheese with the salsa and tomatoes for a creamy, cheesy filling.
Chicken Taco Casserole: Use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter twist on this casserole.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded chicken are great substitutes for ground beef. You can also use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

2. Can I make Taco Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed.

3. Can I freeze Taco Casserole?

Yes, Taco Casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

4. What can I use instead of tortilla chips?

You can use crushed corn tortillas, tortilla strips, or even nacho chips as an alternative to tortilla chips.

5. Can I make this casserole spicier?

Yes, you can easily make this casserole spicier by adding diced jalapeños, using a hot salsa, or sprinkling some cayenne pepper into the meat mixture.

6. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Taco Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s a perfect dish for busy nights or casual gatherings, offering a delicious combination of savory meat, crunchy chips, and melty cheese. Whether you keep it simple or add extra toppings and mix-ins, Taco Casserole is versatile and satisfying. Serve it with your favorite sides or enjoy it on its own—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Easy Taco Casserole

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Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish that combines all the delicious flavors of tacos in a comforting, cheesy casserole form. With seasoned ground beef, savory toppings, and melty cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when feeding a crowd. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste!

Author: Catherine
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add taco seasoning to the beef and stir in a splash of water if needed, based on the seasoning packet’s instructions. Stir in salsa, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine and heat through.
In the prepared baking dish, layer the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom. Spread the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the chips. Top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with sour cream, green onions, shredded lettuce, cilantro, and black olives. Serve hot!

Notes

Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or meatless crumbles.For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or use hot salsa.Top with sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess.If you prefer a cheesy casserole, top with more cheese and broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 50mg