Ever have one of those days where you just want to cozy up with something cheesy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying? That’s when I dive into making this layered taco bake—it’s like crunch time meets comfort food in the most delicious way possible!
My Easy Taco Casserole is a delicious mix of flavors and textures that makes dinner so easy. I love how the distinct combinations in the casserole come together to deliver something that tastes like tacos but is way easier to make!
You have ground beef—seasoned in the way I normally do for tacos, with Tex-Mex spices (trust me; this is key!), plus a can of black beans (also a staple in my taco-making repertoire), and then crushed tortilla chips (also a taco-making staple, and one I’ve always found a good use for since they didn’t exist in my life until the 1990s). Then there’s cheddar cheese and a spicy salsa that turns the whole thing up a dinnertime level or two.
My casserole is very much a taco without the tortilla.
Easy Taco Casserole Recipe Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Rich in protein, hearty and filling.
- Black Beans: High in fiber, adds texture and heartiness.
- Corn: Sweet, provides carbs and fiber.
- Salsa: Tangy, adds depth and spicy flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy texture, source of carbs.
- Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, provides calcium and protein.
- Sour Cream: Tangy, smooth, and adds richness.
- Tomatoes: Juicy, fresh, boost vitamin intake.
- Green Onions: Mild onion flavor, garnish with color.
- Cilantro: Fresh herbal taste, brightens dish.
Easy Taco Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
How to Make this Easy Taco Casserole Recipe
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up.
2. In a big frying pan, prepare the ground beef at a medium temperature until it achieves a brown color. Let the darkened meat sit for a moment, then pour off any liquid fat that has accumulated in the pan.
3. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet containing the ground beef. Stir until well mixed, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes—it should thicken considerably.
4. Combine the black beans, corn, and salsa with the beef mixture. Cook them together for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom to form a layer.
6. In the baking dish, there is already a layer of tortilla chips. On top of the tortilla chips, I pour the mixture of beef.
7. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture and spread it evenly.
8. Add the rest of the crushed tortilla chips as the next layer, then top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Place in preheated oven, set to 350 degrees F, for about 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Take out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.
Easy Taco Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Large frying pan or skillet
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. 9×13 inch baking dish
5. Measuring cups
6. Can opener
7. Colander or strainer
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
FAQ
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?Certainly, ground turkey can be a substitute that contains less fat and performs well in this delicious dish.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?You can make it vegetarian by leaving out the ground beef and adding extra beans or a meat substitute like plant-based crumbles. Alternatively, you could use lentils.
- How can I make the casserole spicier?Add diced jalapeños or chili powder for a hotter, spicier meat mixture.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?You can prepare it to the point of the baking step, cover it, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- What kind of tortilla chips are best?Any kind of tortilla chip can be used, but plain or barely salted types are best for keeping the sodium content in check.
- How should leftovers be stored?You can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but they must be kept in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze this casserole?It is possible to freeze it prior to baking. Defrost in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the instructions.
Easy Taco Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef.
Instead of using a packet, make your own taco seasoning at home for a personal touch.
Pinto beans can be a great alternative if black beans aren’t available.
Substitute diced tomatoes and green chilies for salsa. This variation packs a flavorful punch.
Use a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar cheese for more variety.
Pro Tips
1. Layering Tip: For extra flavor and a nice crunch, reserve a small handful of crushed tortilla chips and sprinkle them on top of the final cheese layer before baking.
2. Bean Enhancement: For added texture and flavor, consider lightly mashing half of the black beans before mixing them with the beef. This creates a creamier base and helps bind the layers together more effectively.
3. Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier dish, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture when simmering with the taco seasoning.
4. Cheese Variation: For extra stringy cheese goodness, mix in a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack along with the cheddar.
5. Freshness Factor: To maintain the freshness and crispness of the garnishes, wait to add the sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro until just before serving. This prevents them from wilting under the heat.
Easy Taco Casserole Recipe
My favorite Easy Taco Casserole Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Large frying pan or skillet
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. 9×13 inch baking dish
5. Measuring cups
6. Can opener
7. Colander or strainer
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up.
2. In a big frying pan, prepare the ground beef at a medium temperature until it achieves a brown color. Let the darkened meat sit for a moment, then pour off any liquid fat that has accumulated in the pan.
3. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet containing the ground beef. Stir until well mixed, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes—it should thicken considerably.
4. Combine the black beans, corn, and salsa with the beef mixture. Cook them together for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom to form a layer.
6. In the baking dish, there is already a layer of tortilla chips. On top of the tortilla chips, I pour the mixture of beef.
7. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture and spread it evenly.
8. Add the rest of the crushed tortilla chips as the next layer, then top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Place in preheated oven, set to 350 degrees F, for about 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Take out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.