taco bake casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
taco bake casserole recipe
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The Best taco bake casserole recipe

I’ve been making this taco bake casserole recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The first time I made it, I was a bit skeptical – I mean, it’s just a casserole, right? But the combination of ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and spices is absolute magic.

It’s like a party in your mouth. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Just brown the beef, cook the tortillas, mix in the cheese and spices, and bake until it’s golden brown.

My kids love helping me assemble the casserole because it’s so much fun to add all the toppings. And let’s not forget about the leftovers – this recipe makes a huge batch, so we can enjoy it for days to come. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions like holiday gatherings.

And did I mention how healthy it is? With lean ground beef and plenty of veggies, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family. I like to serve it with a side of Mexican street corn or some crusty bread to soak up all the juices.

It’s truly a crowd-pleaser. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even better – now I add some diced onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. And don’t even get me started on how much my family loves the leftovers – we can enjoy them for days to come.

This taco bake casserole recipe has become a staple in our household.

Taco Bake Casserole

Taco Bake Casserole

4.7 from 1599 votes

A hearty and flavorful casserole that combines all the classic taco ingredients in a single baked dish. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortilla chips create a satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For Topping

1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped green onions

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet with the beef.
5Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6Remove the skillet from the heat.
7Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn kernels into the beef mixture until everything is evenly combined.
8The mixture should be thick and chunky, with the beans and corn distributed throughout.
9Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
10Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the chips, spreading it into an even layer.
11Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the top.
12Add the remaining crushed tortilla chips on top of the cheese layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the chips.
13Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
14Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
15Dollop sour cream over the top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
16Serve with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions as desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add a layer of refried beans for extra creaminess. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Watch Video Of How Taco Bake Casserole Works

This taco bake casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special event like holiday gatherings or family reunions. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and reheat when needed.

Simply thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly. You can also serve it cold as a dip with tortilla chips – perfect for game day parties or potlucks!

The leftovers are just as delicious as freshly baked casserole, so don’t be afraid to stock up on this tasty dish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Bake Casserole

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

I recommend using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the best flavor.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer.

Q: How do I store leftover taco bake casserole?

Store leftover taco bake casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the traditional tortillas with gluten-free ones and use gluten-free seasonings.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains ground beef and is not suitable for vegetarians.

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