Taco Casserole Recipe

This Taco Casserole has all your favorite taco ingredients – seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a little spice – layered into a delicious, bubbly bake. It’s a warm and comforting dinner that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, just like you would for a traditional taco night.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Ground Beef: The base for the casserole, seasoned with taco spices.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds classic taco flavor.
• Salsa: For moisture and extra flavor.
• Tortilla Chips or Tortillas: Adds texture to each bite.
• Cheese: Melts on top for a bubbly, golden finish.
• Black Beans and Corn: Optional additions for more texture and nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning blend)
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips (or use tortillas, cut into strips)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, and sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Seasoning and Salsa:
   Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa until the beef is well-coated. Add black beans and corn if desired, mixing them in until evenly distributed.
3. Layer in Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips on the bottom. Layer half of the seasoned beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top. Repeat the layers – chips, beef mixture, and cheese – ending with a top layer of cheese.
4. Bake the Casserole:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Add Toppings and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and add your favorite taco toppings, like diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded lettuce, or green onions.

Recipe Tips

• Swap Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can work just as well if you want a lighter option.
• Add Spice: For a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or hot salsa.
• Crunch Factor: To keep the chips crunchy, you can add a fresh layer just before serving.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Side Salad: A crisp, green salad complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Mexican Rice or Refried Beans: Makes the meal even more filling.
• Guacamole and Salsa: Perfect for adding a fresh flavor contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without baking it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze taco casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro adds fresh color and flavor.
• Serve with Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds brightness to each bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips
• Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

1. Cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Add black beans and corn.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer tortilla chips, beef mixture, and cheese, repeating layers.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted.
5. Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, tomatoes, and lettuce.

Taco Casserole

This Taco Casserole has all your favorite taco ingredients – seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a little spice – layered into a delicious, bubbly bake.

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Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade seasoning blend
• 1 cup salsa mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned and drained
• 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips or use tortillas, cut into strips
• Optional toppings: sour cream diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, and sliced green onions

Instructions

 

• Cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Add black beans and corn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer tortilla chips, beef mixture, and cheese, repeating layers.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted.
• Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, tomatoes, and lettuce.