baked taco casserole recipe

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

I’ve been making this baked taco casserole recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

I love how the crispy tortilla chips on top add a nice texture to the dish, and the flavors of the taco meat and cheese blend together perfectly. My kids love helping me assemble the casserole, and it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.

Plus, it’s a relatively healthy option compared to some other casseroles out there – we use lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables to make it a nutritious meal. I’ve served this dish at countless family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation or just want something easy and delicious for a weeknight dinner, this baked taco casserole is a great choice. I’ve made it so many times that I’ve lost count – it’s just that good!

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make – just layer all the ingredients in a baking dish and bake until golden brown.

I like to serve it with some fresh cilantro on top and a side of Mexican rice or beans for added flavor. This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

Baked Taco Casserole

Baked Taco Casserole

4.8 from 1029 votes

A hearty layered casserole with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips and fresh toppings for a fun family dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
2 cups crushed tortilla chips

For Topping

1 cup shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup salsa

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Drain any excess fat.
4Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, then remove from heat.
6Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips, then dollop half of the sour cream and spread gently.
8Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
9Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, beef mixture, sour cream, and cheese.
10Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
11Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
12Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced black olives, cilantro, and salsa before serving.

🔧Equipment

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

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 36g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 26g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and low-fat sour cream and cheese. You can also add a layer of refried beans for extra heartiness.

Watch Video Of How Baked Taco Casserole Works

This baked taco casserole is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need something quick and easy for dinner. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply cover it with foil and bake until hot and bubbly, then serve individual portions with your favorite toppings.

We also like to serve this dish at family gatherings – just assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake when everyone arrives. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions for later.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Taco Casserole

What type of tortillas should I use?

You can use either corn or flour tortillas for this recipe – either will work well. If you want a more authentic flavor, use corn tortillas. If you prefer a milder taste, use flour tortillas.

Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey in this recipe. Just make sure to cook the turkey until it’s fully browned before adding the taco seasoning.

How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free taco seasoning and serving it with gluten-free tortillas.

What if I don’t have any enchilada sauce on hand?

If you don’t have any enchilada sauce on hand, you can omit it from the recipe or substitute it with salsa or hot sauce.

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