Easy Taco Casserole: The Ultimate Weeknight Family Favorite

Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and elevate your “Taco Tuesday” with this incredibly delicious and remarkably easy Taco Casserole. Imagine all the mouth-watering flavors and textures of your favorite tacos, conveniently layered and baked into one hearty dish. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your household, perfect for busy evenings and guaranteed to satisfy every appetite. It’s already earned a top spot on our list of beloved ground beef dinner ideas!

Why This Taco Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try

As the whirlwind of “back to school” season approaches (or has already arrived!), finding quick and easy dinner solutions becomes a top priority for families everywhere. Between sports practices, school events, and simply trying to unwind after a long day, preparing a wholesome and delicious meal can feel like a daunting task. That’s precisely where this incredible Taco Casserole shines!

This casserole is a genius take on traditional tacos, offering all the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures without the individual assembly. It’s truly a one-dish wonder, meaning less time spent on prep and even less on cleanup – a definite win for any busy cook. Mexican food holds a special place in our hearts, and while classic tacos are always a hit, this casserole provides a fresh, exciting, and fuss-free alternative that kids and adults alike adore.

The beauty of a casserole lies in its hearty nature and the way all the ingredients meld together into a symphony of flavors. This Taco Casserole brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender black beans, a medley of fresh veggies, zesty salsa, and a generous blanket of melted cheese, all atop a crunchy bed of tortilla chips. It’s comforting, fulfilling, and delightfully simple to prepare, making it the perfect answer to those “what’s for dinner?” questions.

Explore More Taco-Inspired Culinary Delights

If you’re as passionate about taco flavors as we are, you’ll love exploring other creative ways to enjoy them. Beyond this fantastic casserole, we have a collection of taco-inspired dinners that promise to add excitement to your meal rotation. Each offers a unique twist on the beloved Mexican staple:

A Note on Taco Seasoning: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

While a packet of store-bought taco seasoning is certainly convenient and will work perfectly well for this recipe, we highly encourage you to try making your own homemade taco seasoning. It’s surprisingly simple, uses common spices you likely already have in your pantry, and offers numerous benefits. Crafting your own seasoning allows you to control the sodium levels, avoid unwanted additives, and customize the flavor profile to your family’s preference. Plus, it’s often more economical in the long run! Give it a try – you might never go back to packets again!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Taco Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this mouth-watering dish. Most of these are pantry staples, ensuring that a delicious dinner is always within reach. Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty and flavorful taco casserole:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 3 cups broken tortilla chips (divided)
• 1 lb 13 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 16 oz salsa (your favorite kind!)
• 1/4 cup taco seasoning (consider our homemade blend!)
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), chopped
• 5 green onions, chopped (divided)
• 1 can sliced olives, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar and/or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 cup chopped or shredded Romaine lettuce

Helpful Kitchen Tools

To make your cooking experience as smooth as possible, here are a few essential kitchen tools that will come in handy for preparing this easy taco casserole:

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning the ground beef.
• 13×9 Casserole Dish: The ideal size for baking this family-sized meal.
• Cheese Grater: For freshly shredded cheese that melts beautifully.

How to Make This Simple & Delicious Taco Casserole

Get ready to assemble a masterpiece! This casserole comes together in a few easy steps, ensuring a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Below you can see it all layered beautifully, prepped and ready to go into the oven before the final cheesy topping. It’s packed with so many amazing fixings!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s thoroughly browned, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
3. Next, stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, your favorite salsa, and the taco seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes, letting all those delicious flavors meld together.
4. In a 13×9 inch casserole dish, spread 2 1/2 cups of broken tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. This will form a delicious, crunchy base for your casserole.
5. Carefully spoon the seasoned ground beef, bean, and salsa mixture over the layer of tortilla chips.
6. Generously sprinkle the chopped mixed bell peppers, most of the green onions (save some for garnish!), sliced olives, and shredded cheddar and/or Monterey Jack cheese over the ground beef mixture.
7. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
8. Once out of the oven, top the hot casserole with fresh chopped lettuce, diced tomato, and the remaining 1/2 cup of broken tortilla chips for added crunch and freshness. Serve immediately!

Fresh out of the oven, with its melty cheese, savory beef, and fresh, crisp toppings, this taco casserole is an absolute dream for any taco enthusiast. It’s truly an all-in-one meal that delivers on flavor and satisfaction!

Why This Taco Casserole Will Become Your New Family Favorite

This Taco Casserole has quickly cemented its place as a new family favorite, not just for its incredible taste, but for its sheer ease of preparation. It’s the kind of reliable recipe you can count on for a delicious dinner, whether you’re easing back into the fall routine or simply looking for a no-fuss meal on a busy summer night. Its crowd-pleasing appeal also makes it an excellent choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual entertaining. You can prep it ahead of time, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal stress.

If you’re looking for another comforting ground beef casserole that’s packed with flavor, be sure to check out our Southwest Ground Beef Casserole. It combines tasty flavors in a way that makes it truly hard to put down!

More Great Mexican-Inspired Recipes You’re Sure to Enjoy

Our household absolutely adores Mexican-inspired dishes, and we’re always experimenting with new flavors and traditional favorites. Here are some more beloved recipes that we think you and your family will love just as much as we do:

• Indulge in this vibrant and fresh Fiesta Guacamole from A Dish of Daily Life – it’s the perfect companion for your next bag of tortilla chips.
• This colorful and satisfying Mexican Rice and Beans from A Dish of Daily Life makes an excellent side dish, especially alongside grilled chicken with a hint of cilantro relish.
• If you’ve ever dreamt of making your own, this recipe for homemade flour tortillas is a true winner, delivering soft, fresh tortillas every time!
• Discover how easy it is to make homemade salsa from canned tomatoes; its authentic flavors will transport you straight to your favorite Mexican restaurant!
• For all the enchilada fans out there, these savory shredded chicken and chile enchiladas are a must-add to your recipe list.
• Experience the rich, warming spices of traditional Mexican hot chocolate with Champurrado – a thick, cinnamon-infused drink, perfect for cooler weather.
• Try a fun twist on Taco Tuesday with this creative taco pie recipe, featuring all your favorite taco layers baked in a convenient pie form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Casserole

We often get asked various questions about making the perfect Taco Casserole. Here are some of the most common ones to help you master this dish:

Can I make Taco Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the lettuce and tomato toppings) a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refriger refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

This recipe is very versatile! You can easily substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed for different meats.

How do I store leftover Taco Casserole?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, if you plan on having leftovers, you might want to add the fresh lettuce and tomato toppings only to the portions you serve immediately, keeping the casserole base separate. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and becoming soggy.

Can I freeze Taco Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it! Bake the casserole as directed, but without the fresh toppings (lettuce, tomato, extra chips). Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, adding the fresh toppings once it’s hot.

What are good topping ideas for Taco Casserole?

Beyond the recommended lettuce, tomato, and chips, feel free to customize your casserole with additional toppings! Some popular choices include sour cream or Greek yogurt, guacamole or sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños for a kick, fresh cilantro, a dash of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese.

Is this casserole spicy?

The spice level of this casserole largely depends on your choice of salsa and taco seasoning. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for mild salsa and a standard taco seasoning. For more heat, choose a medium or hot salsa and a spicy taco seasoning blend.

The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.

We truly hope your family enjoys this fantastic Taco Casserole as much as ours does. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that brings smiles to the dinner table without all the fuss. Happy cooking!

This post originally appeared on this blog on August 21, 2016. It has been updated with enhanced content for improved readability and SEO.