Easy Taco Casserole Recipe
Loaded with flavor, this easy Taco Casserole recipe is ready in less than an hour. Packed with delicious ingredients and bold taco flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a dish for a weeknight dinner or something special to share at a gathering, this casserole is tasty and convenient.
Why you will love making Taco Casserole
Here’s why it will become a new favorite in your home:
- Effortlessly Delicious: With minimal prep and simple steps, you get a dish brimming with the irresistible flavors of a taco in a hearty, oven-baked casserole.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap in ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based alternatives depending on your dietary preferences.
- Family Friendly: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to satisfy both kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or a fun family dinner.
- Customizable: Top it with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or cilantro for that personalized touch.
- Great for Leftovers: Not only is it delicious fresh out of the oven, but it’s also just as tasty the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick reheated dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to make Taco Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making this taco casserole is a breeze, and with these simple instructions, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time:
Prep the Tortillas
Start by preheating your oven to 180ºC (355ºF) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the tortillas into triangles and lightly spray them with oil. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake them for about 10 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden. Set these aside for later.
Brown the Beef
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, making sure to break up any lumps. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft, then stir in the taco seasoning to mix thoroughly.
Assemble the Casserole
Grease a casserole dish with cooking spray and spread the ground beef mixture at the bottom. Layer up with the crispy tortillas, followed by chopped tomatoes, diced red onion, halved black olives, and drained black beans. Top generously with shredded Mexican cheese.
Bake and Serve
Finally, bake in the oven for about 12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with sliced spring onions and cilantro before serving. Enjoy your beautifully layered taco casserole hot and bubbly!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips and tweaks to make your taco casserole even more spectacular:
- Spice it Up: If you love a good kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Cheese: While Mexican blend cheese is perfect, you can also use Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese for different flavors.
- Tortillas: You can swap the corn tortillas for flour tortillas or low carb ones.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the corn tortillas for a layer of lightly steamed and chopped cauliflower for a veggie-packed, lower carb alternative.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for dinner to save time during your busy evenings.
- Topping Ideas: After baking, top the casserole with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or even some crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or load up on extra beans and veggies like bell peppers and corn.
How to Store Leftover Taco Casserole
Here’s how to keep it tasting great for later:
- Cool: Allow the casserole to cool completely before you cover it.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to three days.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. This helps maintain the texture better than microwaving.
- Freezing Options: If you want to freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It’s good for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Keeping your budget in check while cooking delicious meals like this taco casserole can be simple with a few smart shopping and cooking tips:
- Alternative Proteins: Sometimes, plant-based proteins can be cheaper and just as satisfying—try them in place of meat.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Make your own taco seasoning with spices you likely already have—this is cheaper and allows you to adjust for taste.
- No Waste: Use every part of the ingredients you buy. For example, if you buy a block of cheese, grate it yourself to get the most out of it and freeze any extras for later use.
What to Serve with Easy Taco Casserole
Deciding what to serve with your taco casserole can be as fun as making it. Here are some perfect pairings that will complete your meal:
Refreshing Sides
A light, crisp salad works wonders alongside the hearty flavors of taco casserole. Try a simple shredded lettuce mix with a zesty lime vinaigrette or a fresh tomato salad sprinkled with a bit of cilantro and lime juice.
Go for Grains
A side of cilantro lime rice or even quinoa can soak up all the delicious flavors of the taco seasonings. These grains make the meal more filling and are especially great if you’re serving a larger crowd.
Something Sweet
For a sweet end to your meal, why not offer a simple dessert like churros or a scoop of lime sorbet? The sweetness is a nice contrast to the savory and spicy elements of the taco casserole.
More Casserole Recipes You Will Love
- Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
- Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
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Easy Taco Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas
- Oil spray
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons Mexican taco seasoning
- 1 tomato chopped
- ½ red onion diced
- ½ cup black olives pitted and halved
- 1 cup black beans canned, drained
- 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese
- 2 spring onions sliced
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (355ºF). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the tortillas into triangles and spray some oil over them. Season them with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes, or until crunchy.8 corn tortillas, Oil spray, Salt and pepper
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high and add the beef. Cook until browned, breaking it frequently until no more lumps remain.1 pound lean ground beef
- Add the onion, garlic, and taco seasoning, and cook for a few more minutes.1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Mexican taco seasoning
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the meat mixture. Top with the tortillas, tomato, red onion, olives and black beans. Finish with a thick layer of cheese and bring to the oven. Cook until bubbly, around 12 minutes.1 tomato, ½ red onion, ½ cup black olives, 1 cup black beans, 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese
- Serve with spring onions and cilantro.2 spring onions, Cilantro
Notes
- Spice it Up: If you love a good kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Cheese: While Mexican blend cheese is perfect, you can also use Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese for different flavors.
- Tortillas: You can swap the corn tortillas for flour tortillas or low carb ones.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the corn tortillas for a layer of lightly steamed and chopped cauliflower for a veggie-packed, lower carb alternative.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for dinner to save time during your busy evenings.
- Topping Ideas: After baking, top the casserole with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or even some crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or load up on extra beans and veggies like bell peppers and corn.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Cool: Allow the casserole to cool completely before you cover it.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to three days.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. This helps maintain the texture better than microwaving.
- Freezing Options: If you want to freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It’s good for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
