Taco Casserole

This taco casserole is the perfect alternative to soft tacos, hard tacos, and taco salads. This taco casserole recipe makes taco night a breeze, tastes fantastic, and is an instant family favorite.

Another fantastic options are my fried tacos and my Sloppy Joe tacos filled with this sloppy joe mixture, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, and a touch of hot sauce is fantastic yet different.

⭐ Easy taco casserole recipe

I love everything tacos - taco lasagna, taco salad, taco soup, Mexican street taco. The best thing about tacos is that it allows you to tap into that creativity rattling around inside you. You can add or remove ingredients to make the dish your own! That's why it's one of my favorite comfort food dinner ideas.

My love for Mexican food is undeniable; my family can attest to this. I can never get enough vitamin T magic- tacos, tamales, tortillas, tostadas, tortas, and even tequila! I fell in love with the enchanting mix of flavor, spiciness, and colorfulness.

This recipe uses ground beef, but you could easily switch this up with chicken or shrimp. Or make vegan taco casserole and use some lovely portobello mushrooms!

Also, I love making this recipe for potlucks, and the fact everyone from grandparents to kids loves this recipe is fantastic.

For more mexican recipes, check my collection of best mexican soup recipes.

🍽 Key ingredients

The secret behind this savory comfort food is the taco mix, ground beef, and toppings.

That's why I like using my homemade seasoning. Besides its rich flavor, I can adjust it to my taste. If I want it hot and spicy, I add more red pepper. It also allows me to cut back on sodium.

If that doesn't convince you to make your seasonings, I don't know what will. But don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the store-bought kind; they serve a purpose. I'm just traditional.

I like ground beef for its versatility, and it adds a rich meaty flavor to your meal. It's delicious! I used 2 pounds because it serves 6 people. But if you're 4 or less, a pound of ground beef would do fine.

Fresh toppings make everything taste better. To get a more intense flavor, you can incorporate cilantro, bell peppers, and jalapeños. And if you want to bring up the heat, you can add a bit of crushed red peppers.

Substitutions

Taco recipes are loaded with potential substitutions and exciting ways to make this recipe 100% your own.

Cheese Substitutions, think of the possibilities: Havarti, Cheddar, Parmesan, or even cheese blends. Each cheese offers a slightly different flavor profile.

Consider substituting ground beef for chicken, turkey, or shrimp. Or make a 100% vegan taco casserole with Portobello mushrooms.

Substitute refried beans for black or pinto beans.

Topping substitution, consider substituting lettuce for purple cabbage. Even a simple change can alter the flavor profile.

🔪 How to Make

Learn how to make this delicious taco casserole step by step. Or watch my guided video for the exact process I use when making this recipe.

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 1

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and cook, constantly stirring until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute or two. It's best to use a wooden spoon or spatula.

Step 2

Add ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until browned. I like to use lean ground beef (80/20) for its intense meaty flavor. It also has the right amount of fat, so you don't need to drain the meat's grease. If you find it too greasy, however, use the extra lean ground beef.

Step 3

Add taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water, simmer while stirring until it thickens a bit and is incorporated into the beef. This should roughly take about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the creamy refried beans, half of the cheese, and salsa in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until hot. You can use medium or mild salsa.

Step 5

Spread half of the corn chips on the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole dish. 

Step 6

Pour and spread the bean mixture over the top.

Step 7

Then cover with the rest of the corn chips. 

Step 8

Spoon the taco meat on top of the chips.

Step 9

Sprinkle on the remaining cheese the sliced olives.

Step 10

Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the casserole is heated throughout. Top with desired taco toppings or let people pick their favorite toppings.

Serve and enjoy your Mexican recipe.

Homemade taco seasoning

I prefer using homemade taco seasoning for all my taco recipes because I find it authentic and more flavorful than the pre-packaged one. Yup, going traditional all the way!

It only takes a minute to whip up this taco mix.

Ingredients you'll need;

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ garlic powder
• ½ paprika
• ¼ dried oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ crushed red pepper flakes

Mix all the spices together in a bowl. Then store it in a sealed jar.

That's it; your taco mix is ready! Remember you can tweak it to your liking - use as little or as much as you like. If you want it mild, you can minimize or do away with red pepper flakes and black pepper. Or you can try this taco seasoning that is delicious in this casserole.

💭 Cooking tips

• Do not be afraid to experiment. Remember, there's no general rule for the right amount of spices to use. You can customize the seasoning to meet your flavor preferences.
• If possible, use homemade taco mix.
• IDo not be afraid to experiment. Remember, there's no general rule for the right amount of spices to use. You can customize the seasoning to meet your flavor preferences.
• If possible, use homemade taco mix.
• Instead of buying a bag of pre-shredded cheese, grate your cheese. It tastes better and melts more smoothly because it doesn't have preservatives.
• If you like veggies, add plenty and mix it up.
• Feel free to double or triple the recipe and freeze it to enjoy later. My mom does this every time!.

🧂 Taco toppings

These are my favorite taco toppings, but don't let them limit your imagination.

• Lettuce: it adds a nice flavor and crunchiness. I prefer iceberg lettuce because it's the crunchiest. Cabbage is another great option.
• Sour cream: the hint of acidity adds a wonderful richness to your taco bake.
• Pico de gallo is wonderfully chunky, vibrant, and full of fantastic flavor, making it the perfect topping for tacos.
• Guacamole: who doesn't love a good guac? The sweet, spicy, and savory combination will take your taco to the next level.
• Tomatoes: it might seem too plain, but tomatoes add color and freshness.
• Hot sauce: if you want some heat, this spicy condiment will add a nice kick to your tacos. Think chipotle, jalapeno, and habanero.

You can also spread your wings and try these topping ideas; cilantro, avocado crema, homemade crispy onions, pickled onions, and even ranch.

⏲️ Make ahead

What trumps a recipe that's make-ahead and freezer friendly? Nothing! It's a total game-changer. You can whip up this casserole recipe in less than 10 minutes!

After cooking your beef mixture:

1. Allow it to cool completely.
2. Layer all the ingredients in the casserole dish as per the recipe instructions.
3. Cover and refrigerate.

I prefer refrigerating for 24 hours, but it will still be good after 48 -72 hours. When you're ready to serve, bake as instructed.

🥫 Storage

Put your taco bake casserole leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly and refrigerate.

Fridge

It should last up to 4 days. Before reheating, scoop off all toppings; who wants heated guacamole or lettuce anyway? You can use either a microwave or oven, depending on the portion.

Freezing

You can freeze your taco casserole for enjoyment later on. If you didn't know, casseroles are among the best leftover food to freeze. Put in an airtight container/resealable bags or wrap in a plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 4 months.

I recommend freezing a second taco casserole without the toppings. Then you have a ready-made taco casserole to go any night of the week; just add toppings.

🥗 What to serve with

Mexican Salsa Fresca - besides being a fantastic toppings, salsa Fresca also known as pico de gallo, is a perfect side dish. It brings some color and extra texture to your taco casserole.

Mexican Guacamole - Guacamole is irresistible and will perfectly complement your easy taco casserole.

Mexican Bruschetta - this garlicky crispy and spicy Mexican flare is an excellent accompaniment to your taco casserole.

🍳 Related mexican recipes

If you love my taco casserole recipe. Try one of these fantastic mexican recipes for your next meal.

Looking for a delicious and easy side dish casserole? Try my 30 minutes green bean casserole with homemade crispy onions.

👪 Serving size

This taco casserole serves 6 but can easily serve more by doubling or tripling the recipe. I've prepared as many as 4 of these simultaneously for a birth party with minimal effort. Another easy to make and similar recipe is my texas chicken spaguetti casserole and texas roadhouse chili which are perfect to cook for the whole family.

🎥 Video

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.

Try one of my comfort dinner recipes for your next family meal! And if you have any questions, I'm here to help!

📋 Recipe

Taco Casserole

This taco casserole is the perfect alternative to soft tacos, hard tacos, and taco salads. This taco casserole recipe makes taco night a breeze, tastes fantastic, and is an instant family favorite.

4.89 from 9 votes

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Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 1025kcal

Author: Ben Rayl

Ingredients

 

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• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion - chopped
• 2 cloves garlic - minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning - 1 ¼ ounce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• ½ cup full water
• 2 cans refried beans - 15 ounces each
• 3 cups jack cheese - shredded colby
• 2 cups salsa
• 4 cups corn chips - crushed
• 1 cup black olives - sliced
• 2 tomatoes - seeded and diced

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook for another minute or two.
• Increase the heat to medium high, add the beef and cook until browned, then drain.
• Add the taco seasoning, tomato paste and water and cook and stir until thickened, about 5 more minutes.
• Put the refried beans in a saucepan, and stir in half of the cheese and the salsa.  Heat over medium heat until hot, stirring often.
• Spread half of the corn chips on the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole dish. , .  t
• Pour and spread the bean mixture over the top.
• Then cover with the rest of the corn chips..
• Spoon the taco meat on top of the chips.
• Then sprinkle on the remaining cheese and the sliced olives.
• Bake for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated throughout.
• Sprinkle with diced tomatoes and serve.

Video

Notes

• Do not be afraid to experiment. Remember, there's no general rule for the right amount of spices to use. You can customize the seasoning to meet your flavor preferences.
• If possible, use homemade taco mix.
• Instead of buying a bag of pre-shredded cheese, grate your own cheese. It tastes better and melts more smoothly because it doesn't have preservatives.
• If you like veggies, add plenty of it.
• Feel free to double or triple the recipe and freeze it to enjoy later.

Nutrition

Calories: 1025kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 70g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 2384mg | Potassium: 1195mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2261IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 602mg | Iron: 6mg