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Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish that combines all the best parts of a taco with the ease of a one-pan meal. Featuring layers of seasoned ground meat, crunchy tortilla chips, beans, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese, this casserole bursts with classic Mexican-inspired flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s customizable, easy to prepare, and ideal for leftovers and meal prepping.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup black beans or kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Mix-ins

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups tortilla chips or strips

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Salsa

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water. Simmer until the spices are well blended and fragrant.
  2. Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish and start with a thin layer of the seasoned meat. Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips, followed by beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top.
  3. Bake Until Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling with a golden finish.
  4. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from oven and top with optional fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream to add brightness and contrast.

Notes

  • Use fresh, freshly ground spices like cumin and chili powder to boost taco seasoning flavor.
  • Don’t skip layering ingredients to meld flavors and maintain texture contrast.
  • Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes after baking to settle and slice cleanly.
  • Opt for homemade or high-quality tortilla chips for better crunch.
  • Choose a cheese that melts well without greasiness for best texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: taco casserole, Mexican casserole, easy dinner, baked taco dish, weeknight meal, gluten free taco casserole, leftover casserole, taco bake