This inventive taco casserole dazzles with layers of crispy tortilla strips, savory ground beef enriched with taco spices, gooey melted cheddar, and a vibrant salsa finish. It combines a perfect blend of textures and bold, comforting flavors, making it an irresistibly satisfying dish for any weeknight gathering or casual family dinner.

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I love making this taco casserole because it’s a hearty, easy recipe that never disappoints. I start by browning 1 lb ground beef with a medium diced onion; then i stir in a packet of taco seasoning mix with 1/2 cup water to really bring out the flavor.

This beef mixture is both protein-rich and packed with vitamins from the onion. Next, i layer 8 cut corn tortillas over the beef and then top it with 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup salsa, which not only gives it a melty finish but also a nice kick of flavor.

The dish reminds me of a classic ground beef tortilla casserole with a modern twist, giving you a satisfying crunch and a balance of nutrients. A dollop of sour cream on top adds extra creaminess if desired.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you need something filling and energy boosting. Enjoy this delicious taco casserole!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this taco casserole recipe because it’s super easy to make even on the craziest weeknights. First off, I love how the crispy tortilla strips mix with that juicy seasoned beef and melty cheddar cheese; its such an awesome blend of textures. Secondly, the combo of taco seasoning and salsa gives it this bold, kicky flavor that fires up my taste buds. Also, I just dig how it all comes together in layers – its almost like building a tasty, cheesy puzzle that i can share with my family and friends. Finally, even though it’s a pretty simple dish, there’s something satisfying about creating a meal that feels both comforting and a little bit special.

Ingredients

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Ground beef is loaded with protein, bringin rich flavor and satisfying heartiness to the dish.
Onion, diced small, adds natural sweetness and fiber while makin the meal smell amazing.
Taco seasoning mixes spices for a zesty kick and a well balanced flavor punch.
Corn tortillas offer essential carbohydrates and a crispy texture that holds all the layers together.
Shredded cheddar cheese melts into every nook, contributing protein and a creamy richness.
Salsa delivers tangy freshness and a little heat, brighten up every bite perfectly.
Sour cream, if you choose, cools the spice and adds a smooth, creamy contrast.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

1 packet taco seasoning mix

1/2 cup water

8 corn tortillas, cut into strips

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup salsa

Optional: sour cream for topping

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked; drain any excess grease.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors blend together.

4. Layer half of the cut corn tortilla strips evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

5. Spoon half of the beef mixture on top of the tortilla strips, spreading it out evenly.

6. Sprinkle about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.

7. Drizzle the entire cup of salsa evenly over the cheese.

8. Repeat the layering by adding the remaining tortilla strips, then the rest of the beef mixture and finishing with the rest of the cheddar cheese.

9. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

10. Let it cool slightly before serving, and if you like, top with a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your taco casserole!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven – you’ll need this for baking the casserole at 375°F
2. 9×13 inch baking dish – this is where you’ll layer and bake all the ingredients
3. Large skillet – to brown the ground beef and cook the diced onion
4. Knife – for dicing the onion (and cutting tortillas if they arent pre-cut)
5. Cutting board – to safely chop your onion
6. Measuring cup – to accurately measure out the 1/2 cup of water
7. Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring the beef mixture and spreading it evenly in the dish

FAQ

How long does it take to cook this casserole? It usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish so its pretty quick for a hearty meal.

Can I change up the ground beef? Yeah, you can use ground turkey or even a meat substitute if you want to make a lighter version, just adjust cooking times as needed.

Do I have to use corn tortillas? Not really, you can use flour tortillas if thats what you have, but corn tends to give a better crunch and flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely, you can prep all the layers in advance and pop it in the oven when youre ready to eat.

Anything special to do with the salsa and sour cream? Some people like to add a little extra salsa on top or a dollop of sour cream after baking to boost the flavors.

Taco Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef: Instead of ground beef you can use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner protein.
Onion: If you don’t have a medium white onion, try a red onion or even a couple of shallots for a sweeter taste.
Taco Seasoning Mix: You can easily whip up your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Water: Swap out water for a bit of beef or chicken broth to add more flavor to your dish.
Corn Tortillas: If corn tortillas ain’t your thing, flour tortillas or even some crushed tortilla chips work just fine.

Pro Tips

1. Try crisping the tortilla strips in a dry pan before layering so they don’t get too soggy from all the beef and salsa.
2. When browning the ground beef, don’t rush it—letting it settle a bit longer in the pan brings out more flavor, and drain off excess grease so things don’t get too oily.
3. Let the beef mixture simmer a little extra after adding the taco seasoning if you have time; it gives the flavors a chance to blend just right.
4. After baking, let the dish sit for a couple minutes before serving. This helps the layers firm up and makes it easier to scoop onto plates.

Taco Casserole Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

595

kcal

Equipment: 1. Preheated oven – you’ll need this for baking the casserole at 375°F
2. 9×13 inch baking dish – this is where you’ll layer and bake all the ingredients
3. Large skillet – to brown the ground beef and cook the diced onion
4. Knife – for dicing the onion (and cutting tortillas if they arent pre-cut)
5. Cutting board – to safely chop your onion
6. Measuring cup – to accurately measure out the 1/2 cup of water
7. Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring the beef mixture and spreading it evenly in the dish

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup salsa
Optional: sour cream for topping

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked; drain any excess grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors blend together.
Layer half of the cut corn tortilla strips evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Spoon half of the beef mixture on top of the tortilla strips, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
Drizzle the entire cup of salsa evenly over the cheese.
Repeat the layering by adding the remaining tortilla strips, then the rest of the beef mixture and finishing with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Let it cool slightly before serving, and if you like, top with a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your taco casserole!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.