EASY TACO CASSEROLE RECIPE

Picture this: layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips all baked to golden-brown perfection. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a fiesta in every bite, and it’s calling your name! Get ready to discover the ultimate Taco Casserole recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds, because trust me, it’s easier than you think and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup chopped onion

For the Casserole:

• 1 bag (10-12 ounces) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, green onions, salsa, guacamole

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Taco Casserole

Okay, let’s be real. Weeknights are crazy. Between work, kids, and everything in between, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated dinner. That’s where this Taco Casserole swoops in to save the day! It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s totally customizable to your family’s tastes. Plus, who doesn’t love tacos? This is basically all the goodness of tacos, but in a comforting casserole form.

But seriously, what sets this recipe apart? Well, first of all, it’s incredibly forgiving. Don’t have Rotel? Use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chili powder. Want to sneak in some veggies? Go for it! Add some chopped bell peppers or corn to the meat mixture. The possibilities are endless! And unlike some casseroles that can be bland, this one is packed with flavor thanks to the taco seasoning and that can of diced tomatoes and green chilies. Your taste buds will thank you!

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Thankfully, you won’t need a ton of fancy equipment for this recipe. Here’s a rundown of the essentials:

• Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef. A cast-iron skillet works great, but any large skillet will do.
• 9×13 inch Baking Dish: This is the standard size for casseroles, and it’s perfect for feeding a family.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Spatula or Spoon: For stirring and spreading.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements (though this recipe is pretty flexible!).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Making the Meat Mixture:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
4. Remove from heat.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Spread a thin layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Top with half of the meat mixture, half of the diced tomatoes and green chilies, and half of the shredded cheese.
3. Repeat layers: tortilla chips, remaining meat mixture, remaining diced tomatoes and green chilies, and remaining cheese.
4. Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream evenly over the top of the casserole.

Baking:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
2. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Topping:

1. Serve hot, and let everyone customize their serving with their favorite taco toppings. Some popular choices include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, green onions, salsa, and guacamole.

Tips and Tricks for Taco Casserole Perfection

Okay, now for the insider secrets to make your Taco Casserole truly amazing:

• Don’t Overcook the Meat: Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink, then drain off the grease right away.
• Crush the Tortilla Chips Lightly: You want them to provide some texture, but you don’t want them to be completely pulverized.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
• Let it Rest: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows the cheese to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This Taco Casserole is a fantastic base for customization. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Add Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans to the meat mixture for added protein and fiber.
• Add Veggies: As mentioned earlier, chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini are all great additions.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat.
• Use Different Protein: Ground turkey or shredded chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
• Layer in Some Rice: Add a layer of cooked rice (Mexican rice would be delicious!) between the chips and meat for a heartier casserole.
• Creamy Dreamy: Mix cream cheese with the sour cream for an extra-rich casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This Taco Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also great served with a side salad or some Baked Ground Beef Tacos for a full-blown taco night experience! If you are looking for other casserole-style recipes, maybe you would like to try Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole, or Pizza Tot Casserole

How to Store and Reheat

Storing: Leftover Taco Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.

Reheating: You can reheat the casserole in the microwave or in the oven. For the microwave, heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use different types of tortilla chips?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors, such as lime or ranch. Just be sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up under the weight of the other ingredients.

Q: Can I freeze Taco Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze Taco Casserole, but the texture of the tortilla chips may change slightly. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or with a combination of black beans, corn, and diced vegetables. You can also use vegetarian taco seasoning.

Time to Dig In!

So there you have it – the easiest, most delicious Taco Casserole recipe you’ll ever need! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a meal that everyone will rave about. Enjoy!

Easy Taco Casserole

This easy taco casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips baked to golden-brown perfection for a fiesta of flavor in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 10-12 ounces tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained like Rotel
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes
• Optional toppings: olives
• Optional toppings: green onions
• Optional toppings: salsa
• Optional toppings: guacamole

Equipment

• large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• mixing bowls
• spatula
• Spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly. Remove from heat.
5. Spread a thin layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Top with half of the meat mixture, half of the diced tomatoes and green chilies, and half of the shredded cheese.
7. Repeat layers: tortilla chips, remaining meat mixture, remaining diced tomatoes and green chilies, and remaining cheese.
8. Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
10. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
11. Serve hot, and let everyone customize their serving with their favorite taco toppings.

Notes

Don’t overcook the meat. Crush tortilla chips lightly. Experiment with different cheeses. Let the casserole rest before serving. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add beans, veggies, or spices to customize. Ground turkey or shredded chicken can be used instead of ground beef. Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven. The casserole can be frozen, but the texture of the tortilla chips may change slightly.