Taco Casserole

This easy taco casserole recipe uses only a handful of ingredients but packs a ton of flavor.

Seasoned ground beef, beans, chiles, salsa, and loads of melty cheese are baked in a cozy casserole dish that will be on regular rotation.

This casserole is easy to make ahead and freezes great!
Just like regular tacos, this recipe has endless possibilities for add-ins and toppings.
Game day or sleepovers, this budget-friendly recipe is a fiesta-inspired dish that is perfect for crowds!

cheese , onion , beans , salsa , chiles , beef , garlic , tomato paste , taco seasoning and jalapeño with labels to make SWP Taco Casserole Update

Your Essential Ingredients

Meat: Use lean ground beef (80/20) or ground turkey. I love my meat chopper for the best texture for ground meat.
Beans: Canned black beans stretch this meal a little further, they can be replaced with other varieties of beans like pinto beans or kidney beans.
Salsa: Use your favorite jar of mild, medium, or hot salsa, make your own salsa, or use enchilada sauce.
Cheese: A shredded Mexican cheese blend makes this casserole easy to make, you can shred your own has the perfect flavor, just pile it on!

Mix, Match, and Enjoy

Swap the beef for ground pork, chicken or turkey
Leftover chicken or turkey works, too; shred or chop it finely.
Dice up some bell peppers, shredded carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.

adding tomatoes , seasonings , beans , tomato paste to dish to make Taco Casserole

How to Make Taco Casserole

Brown the ground beef and onions.
Assemble the ground beef mixture and pour into the casserole dish (full recipe below)
Top with reserved cheese and bake.

Add desired toppings before serving or let everyone add their favorite toppings!

Anything that goes in a taco can go on this casserole!

Veggies: Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sliced black olives, avocado, green onions

Crunchy: Crushed tortilla chips, Fritos, Doritos, or fried onions

Sauce: Dollops of sour cream, salsa, salsa verde, jalapeno sauce, or homemade guacamole

plated Taco Casserole with sour cream and lettuce

Storage and Leftovers

Taco casserole tastes even better the next day. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave.

Freeze this taco casserole by cooking the meat and assembling the dish, leaving out 1 cup of cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, top with reserved cheese, and then bake as directed.

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This Taco Casserole combines seasoned beef, black beans, green chiles, and salsa, baked with melty cheese.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees.
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until no pink remains, about 4-5 minutes. Drain any fat.
Add garlic and jalapeno (if using). Cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, green chiles, tomato paste and salsa. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.
Take off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.
Top with desired toppings and serve.

To freeze: Cook beef mixture in skillet and assemble in baking dish, omitting 1 cup remaining cheese on top. Cool completely and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
To cook: Thaw overnight in refrigerator until casserole is completely thawed. Remove plastic wrap and aluminum foil, set out on the counter for about 20 minutes, top with 1 cup of cheese, then bake at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes, until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.
Topping Options: Salsa, guacamole, Shredded iceberg lettuce, Sliced black olives, chopped tomatoes, Sliced jalapenos, Minced fresh cilantro, Lime wedges, Frito corn chips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, refried beans.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beef, Casserole, Dinner, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

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