Taco Casserole Recipe (Easy Cheesy Dinner Idea)
Make taco casserole with seasoned beef, layers of tortillas, and melted cheese. Easy, flavorful recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Equipment
- Skillet
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook meat: Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until flavors meld.
- Add beans & corn: Stir in black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix well.
- Layer casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch dish, place tortillas on the bottom. Add half the meat mixture, then a layer of cheese. Repeat layers until dish is full.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & serve: Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Expert Tip: Resting ensures neat slices and prevents toppings from sliding.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Whole wheat tortillas add fiber and a nutty flavor.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian option: replace meat with extra beans, corn, and peppers.
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen with extra time.