Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This taco casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the best elements of a taco in an easy-to-make baked meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, beans, and cheese, topped with crunchy tortilla chips.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
• 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with peppers
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup corn kernels, frozen or canned, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 1/2 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• Optional toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, stirring to crumble, until browned.
2. Step 2: Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, and corn. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Step 5: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread most of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of the dish.
6. Step 6: Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture over the chips layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then add the rest of the crushed tortilla chips.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot with optional toppings like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or a handful of chopped cilantro before serving.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture if you prefer some heat.
• Swap cheddar cheese for a Mexican cheese blend to vary the taste.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or sautéed mushrooms.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Keep toppings separate until serving to maintain freshness and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you may need to cook the mixture longer to reduce excess liquid. Diced canned tomatoes provide convenience and consistent moisture for this recipe.

Taco Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty Taco Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It features seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, black beans, and corn layered with crispy tortilla chips and melted cheddar cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, this casserole brings all the bold taco flavors into one satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with peppers
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup corn kernels, frozen or canned, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 1/2 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed

Optional Toppings

• Chopped lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, stirring to crumble the meat evenly.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Simmer mixture: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, and corn kernels. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble casserole: Spread most of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture over the chips. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Add optional toppings such as chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Use gluten-free tortilla chips to make this casserole gluten-free.
• Feel free to add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a vegetarian option, replace beef with extra beans and vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: taco casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, Mexican casserole, baked taco dish