Taco Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Taco Casserole is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and melted cheese, it’s a flavorful twist on classic taco ingredients baked into a comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 packet (2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
- 1 15-ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the onions soften and the beef is fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, coating the meat evenly.
- Step 4: Add the black beans, corn kernels, and salsa to the skillet. Mix well until all ingredients are combined evenly.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish or a 9-inch pan. Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top, then cover with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and add your favorite taco toppings before serving, such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Swap cheddar cheese for a Mexican cheese blend for a different taste.
- Serve with avocado slices or a squeeze of fresh lime for added brightness.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a suitable container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh before serving.
What toppings work best on this taco casserole?
Popular toppings include sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sliced avocado, or fresh lime wedges. Choose your favorites to customize each serving.
Print
Taco Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and crunchy tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet (2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown the meat and onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions. Stir and cook for about 5-6 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the meat: Add the taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef and stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
- Add beans, corn, and salsa: Mix in the drained black beans, corn kernels, and salsa, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish or 9-inch pan. Evenly sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top, then cover with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve with toppings: Remove from oven and optionally add your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or hot salsa.
- You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.
- Use reduced-fat cheese to lower the calorie content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adding a layer of refried beans before the meat mixture creates a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: taco casserole, ground beef casserole, Mexican casserole, easy dinner, cheesy casserole, beef taco bake
