If you love tacos and casseroles, this Taco Casserole combines the best of both worlds! It’s loaded with bold taco flavors, layers of gooey cheese, seasoned ground beef, crispy tortilla chips, and your favorite toppings. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day parties. Quick to assemble and packed with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, it’s the ultimate comfort food that will keep everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy—your choice)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips or nacho chips
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- Hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly butter it.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup water to the beef. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the seasoning is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the Casserole Filling
- Add the salsa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the beef and vegetable mixture over the chips and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Add another layer of crushed tortilla chips on top, followed by the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or guacamole, and serve hot!
Tips
- Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the spice level by using mild, medium, or hot salsa, and choose a taco seasoning that matches your desired heat level.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole while baking to ensure the chips don’t burn.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance (without the chips on top), cover, and refrigerate. Add the chips and cheese just before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning to make this dish gluten-free.
- Double It for a Crowd: This recipe easily doubles if you’re serving a large group. Use a bigger baking dish or make it in two smaller ones.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before adding the chips and cheese on top) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add chips and cheese before baking.
Variations
- Chicken Taco Casserole: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground chicken.
- Vegetarian Taco Casserole: Omit the meat and double the beans and vegetables for a hearty, meatless option.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the tortilla chips with a layer of thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative.
- Breakfast Taco Casserole: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage to the filling for a morning twist.
- Cheesy Supreme: Add a layer of cream cheese or sour cream between the beef mixture and the tortilla chips for extra creaminess.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
1. Can I make this casserole spicier?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or spicy taco seasoning to kick up the heat.
2. What’s the best way to keep the chips crunchy?
Add the top layer of tortilla chips just before baking to keep them crispy. You can also broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crunch.
3. Can I use fresh vegetables?
Absolutely! Substitute the canned corn with fresh or frozen corn, and add sautéed bell peppers or onions for more flavor and texture.
4. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes! Mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for a homemade version.
5. What should I serve with taco casserole?
Serve it with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
