Taco Casserole Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- 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.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeño (if using). Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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