Taco Casserole
A hearty and cheesy baked casserole with layers of seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted cheese. It's all the flavor of a taco in a simple, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat
- a.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet, break it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Spread about half of the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers: the remaining chips, the rest of the beef mixture, and finally the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- 5
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving
- a.This helps it set and makes for cleaner slices.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips that won't get too soggy during baking.
- 2Don't crush the chips into dust. Leave some larger pieces for a better crunch.
- 3Draining the excess fat from the ground beef is crucial to prevent a greasy casserole.
- 4Letting the casserole rest before serving is important. It allows the layers to set, so it doesn't fall apart when you slice it.
- 5This casserole is great for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time (without the top layer of chips to prevent sogginess), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the top chips and bake when ready.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Use 1 pound of plant-based ground 'beef' or two 15-ounce cans of pinto beans (mashed slightly) instead of ground beef.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños with the onion and a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.
healthyHealthy
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, use reduced-fat cheese, and serve with plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
quickQuick
To save time, use a jar of your favorite salsa instead of the diced tomatoes with green chiles and skip simmering the sauce.