Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Mexican flavors in a convenient casserole form. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Taco Casserole is a great way to enjoy the taste of tacos in a simpler and more convenient form. With layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, salsa, cheese, and tortillas, this casserole captures all the classic taco flavors in a comforting and satisfying dish.

How to Make Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted taco seasoning)
• 2 cups jarred tomato salsa (mild or spicy, depending on your tastes)
• 1 can black beans (298 ml or 14 oz, rinsed well)
• 6 large tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, red bell pepper, and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender.
3. Season the Mixture: Add the taco seasoning, oregano, and salt (if using), and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add Salsa and Beans: Mix in the salsa and black beans, then remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Layer the Casserole: Layer two tortillas in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add ⅓ of the meat mixture and ⅓ of the cheese. Repeat for two more layers, ending with cheese on top.
6. Bake: Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. Slice and serve.

How to Serve Taco Casserole

Serve the Taco Casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, or a dollop of guacamole. It pairs well with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad.

How to Store Taco Casserole

Store any leftover Taco Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Taco Casserole

• Customize Toppings: Add your favorite taco toppings between the layers, such as diced jalapeños, olives, or corn.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans.

Variation

For a spicier version, add a can of diced green chilies or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the meat mixture. You can also experiment with different types of salsa to adjust the heat level and flavor profile.

Taco Casserole

Author: Maria Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• ½ medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 teaspoons taco seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted taco seasoning)

• 2 cups jarred tomato salsa (mild or spicy, depending on your tastes)

• 1 can black beans (298 ml or 14 oz, rinsed well)

• 6 large tortillas

• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
   Mark as complete

1. Cook Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, red bell pepper, and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender.
   Mark as complete

1. Season the Mixture: Add the taco seasoning, oregano, and salt (if using), and cook for 1 minute.
   Mark as complete

1. Add Salsa and Beans: Mix in the salsa and black beans, then remove the skillet from the heat.
   Mark as complete

1. Layer the Casserole: Layer two tortillas in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add ⅓ of the meat mixture and ⅓ of the cheese. Repeat for two more layers, ending with cheese on top.
   Mark as complete

1. Bake: Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. Slice and serve.
   Mark as complete