Taco Casserole

Casseroles make dinnertime a breeze because everything cooks easily in a casserole dish. This casserole recipe is a family favorite because it is packed with taco flavored ground beef, melty cheese and layers of crushed tortilla chips.

Mexican Food is always on the menu and if you love ground beef tacos then you will love it in a casserole form. If you have made Crock Pot Mexican Casserole, The Best Mexican Casserole Recipe and Keto Taco Casserole then you are going to love this Taco Casserole.

Why We Love This Taco Casserole

This Easy Taco Casserole Recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients. These basic ingredients are completely customizable to what you prefer. We love to make it during the week but it is also perfect to serve when you friends over.

Setup a topping bar so everyone can add their own to this classic taco casserole for a crowd pleasing meal.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef – We used lean ground beef but you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken
• Taco Seasoning – Use packet taco seasoning or you can make Taco Seasoning Recipe
• Black Beans – We recommend to drain and rinse beans before adding to casserole mixture
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies – We like using a can of Rotel
• Chunky Salsa – I suggest using mild salsa unless you want a spicy dish. You can also make Homemade Salsa Recipe
• Mexican Blend Cheese – Feel free to use the type of cheese you prefer
• Tortilla Chips – We recommend to lightly crushed chips

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Add Vegetables – This is a great recipe to sneak in veggies to the meat mixture. Add in ½ cup of bell peppers, slice mushrooms, or chopped zucchini.
• Cheese – Feel free to change the cheese to what you prefer. Add in shredded cheddar cheese, Colby Jack Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese.
• Seasoning – If you prefer you can easily add in spices separately instead of making taco seasoning. We always add in ½ tablespoons of chili powder, garlic powder and cumin if we are out of taco seasoning.
• Tortilla Chips – You can easily substitute with tortillas chips with corn tortillas or flour tortillas. We have even used Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips or Fritos for a delicious variations.

How to Make Taco Casserole

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2 – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, about 8-10 minutes. Season with ½ teaspoons of salt and pepper.

Step 3 – Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4 – Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with chilies, and chunky salsa. Cook the ground beef mixture for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 5 – Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 6 – Spread half of the beef mixture over the chips.

Step 7 – Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef.

Step 8 – Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.

Step 9 – Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy! 

Expert Tips

• Prepare Tortilla Chips – Lightly crushing the chips helps them form a more cohesive layer. Don’t pulverize them completely.
• Prepare Ground Beef – Prepare the ground beef in a large skillet until completely cook. You can even cook ground beef ahead of time to save time when preparing this casserole during the week.
• Baking Casserole – The cooking time will vary depending on you oven and the size of your casserole. You will know when the casserole is finished baking when the cheese is melted and golden brown.

What to Serve With Taco Casserole

We love to serve this taco casserole with our favorite toppings which include Easy Pico De Gallo, sour cream, Guacamole Recipe and slice black olives. You can even served topped with avocado, jalapeño peppers, shredded lettuce, fresh cilantro and crushed tortilla chips.

This casserole is a complete meal, but often times we serve with Mexican Rice, Queso Fundido and Easy Crockpot Refried Beans Recipe.