Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Taco casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines all your favorite Mexican-inspired ingredients into one easy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is hearty, cheesy, and packed with spices that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium jalapeño (optional), seeded and finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet)
• 15 ounces canned black beans (1 can), drained and rinsed
• 4 ounces canned mild green chiles (1 can)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 16 ounces salsa (or picante sauce)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, green chiles, tomato paste, and salsa. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted.
8. Step 8: Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced olives before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, keep the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a different protein option.
• Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips under the beef mixture for added crunch.
• Use a homemade salsa for a fresher flavor.

Storage

Store leftover taco casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Can I freeze taco casserole?

Absolutely. Freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Taco Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

This hearty Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, and green chiles baked under a blanket of melted Mexican cheese, delivering a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet)
• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
• 4 ounces canned mild green chiles (1 can)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 16 ounces salsa or picante sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
2. Cook Beef and Onion: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned with no pink visible, about 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeño (if using). Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Mix Seasonings and Beans: Stir in the taco seasoning, drained black beans, canned green chiles, tomato paste, and salsa. Cook this mixture for 3-4 minutes until heated through and well combined.
5. Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend until melted and incorporated into the mixture.
6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is fully melted.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For a milder version, omit the jalapeño or use less.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Black beans can be replaced with pinto beans or kidney beans if desired.
• Use a gluten-free taco seasoning to make the dish gluten-free.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time.

Keywords: taco casserole, ground beef casserole, Mexican casserole, baked taco dish, easy dinner recipe