Introduction
Beef Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup—taking everything we love about tacos (seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, crispy tortillas, beans, and veggies) and layering it into a warm, bubbly, cheesy casserole. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
This dish combines the bold flavors of classic Mexican-inspired tacos with the convenience of a one-pan meal. Every bite has the perfect mix of textures—crunchy tortilla layers, creamy beans, melted cheese, and juicy beef—all baked to golden perfection.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes taco night to the next level:
- Easy & Crowd-Pleasing: No need to assemble individual tacos. Just bake, slice, and serve.
- Cheesy & Comforting: Loaded with gooey melted cheese for that irresistible comfort factor.
- Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the protein, or adjust the spice to your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Combines the flavors of tacos with the ease of a casserole.
- Family-friendly—kids and adults love it.
- Perfect for potlucks, game nights, and gatherings.
- Versatile—you can make it with beef, chicken, or even vegetarian.
- Freezer-friendly, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup canned corn (drained)
- ½ cup salsa
For the Casserole Layers:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas (cut in halves or quarters)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream
Toppings (optional, for serving):
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Extra salsa or guacamole
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer tortillas to cover the bottom.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Add a thin layer of sour cream and sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat layers (tortillas → beef mixture → sour cream → cheese).
- Finish with a top layer of cheese.
Step 3: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
How to Serve
- Slice into squares or wedges and serve hot.
- Top with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado.
- Pair with a side salad, Spanish rice, or tortilla chips for a full meal.
Recipe Tips
- Use corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor, or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing—it helps set the layers.
- Add more cheese if you want it extra gooey.
- Use homemade taco seasoning for better flavor and less sodium.
Variations
- Chicken Taco Casserole: Use shredded chicken instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with extra beans, lentils, or sautéed veggies.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, chili powder, or hot salsa.
- Breakfast Twist: Use scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a morning version.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap tortillas with thin zucchini or eggplant slices.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to baking time.
- Freezer (Baked): Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Special Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Foil (for covering while baking)
Conclusion
Beef Taco Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that brings all the joy of taco night into one easy-to-bake meal. It’s versatile, freezer-friendly, and a guaranteed hit at family dinners or gatherings. Whether you stick to the classic version or play around with variations, this dish proves that tacos can be just as comforting in casserole form.
One bite, and you’ll know why this casserole deserves a spot in your dinner rotation!
Beef Taco Casserole
Description
Beef Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup—taking everything we love about tacos (seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, crispy tortillas, beans, and veggies) and layering it into a warm, bubbly, cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
For the Casserole Layers:
Toppings (optional, for serving):
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer tortillas to cover the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas. Add a thin layer of sour cream and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers (tortillas → beef mixture → sour cream → cheese). Finish with a top layer of cheese.
-
Step 3: Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
