Easy Taco Casserole

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

March 17, 2025

Updated:

March 17, 2025

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It’s taco night, and you’re craving something different, yet still familiar—this Easy Taco Casserole Recipe has your name written all over it! Imagine layers upon layers of all your favorite taco ingredients, combined into a single, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup. Seriously, who doesn’t love a one-pan dinner? So, grab your apron and let’s dive into a fun culinary adventure that will leave your family begging for seconds!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Easy Taco Casserole Recipe is truly a gem for several reasons. First off, it’s super easy to prepare. You’ll find that the steps are straightforward, allowing you to whip it up without getting stressed in the kitchen. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which is always a win in my book!

Another incredible aspect is the flavor-packed layers. By combining classic taco ingredients like seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh veggies, you get everything you love about tacos but in casserole form. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that dance together, making it a dish everyone can rally around.

Finally, it’s just so family-friendly! Kids love tacos, and they’ll be thrilled to see this delicious version on the table. You’ll be the superstar for creating a meal that pleases the whole family!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Taco Casserole Recipe

You’ll adore this Easy Taco Casserole Recipe for busy weeknight dinners when time is of the essence. After a long day, it’s comforting to have a meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. This dish comes together quickly, offering a harmonious blend of tasty elements that everyone will enjoy.

Another reason you’ll love it is its customizable nature. Whether you have picky eaters or dietary restrictions, you can easily tailor the ingredients to suit various tastes. Want to make it vegetarian? Go for it! Like it spicy? Choose a kickier salsa! The freedom to adjust means everyone can dig in with glee.

Finally, this casserole is filling and hearty, making it perfect for potlucks and gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone flocking to the buffet, and guests will be asking for your recipe!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil
1 medium diced yellow or white Onion
1 red Bell Pepper, diced
2 pounds Ground Beef
2 (1 oz) packets Taco Seasoning
1 1/2 cups Water
4 cups Corn Tortilla Chips, coarsely crushed
2 (15 ounce) cans refried beans (pinto and black beans work well)
3 cups shredded Mexican blend Cheese (or favorite variety), divided
2 cups red Salsa (mild or favorite)
4 Green Onions, chopped
1 (3.8 oz) can sliced Black Olives
2 medium Tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (to garnish)
1/4 cup chopped Cilantro (to garnish)

Preparing the Casserole

Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or pull out a 10-inch iron skillet. This is where all the magic will happen!

Sauté the Vegetables

Now, let’s get chopping! Dice your onion and bell pepper. In a skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion and bell pepper, cooking until they’re tender, which should take about 8 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside for later.

Brown the Beef

In the same skillet (no need to waste time cleaning!), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Remember to drain any excess fat so you don’t end up with a greasy casserole.

Add Taco Seasoning

Stir in the taco seasoning and the water with the cooked beef. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes, and then set this aside to cool down a bit.

Layer the Corn Tortilla Chips

In your prepared baking dish, spread out pieces of the coarsely crushed corn tortilla chips. This will serve as the tasty base for our casserole.

Prepare the Refried Beans

Using a frying pan, heat the refried beans over medium heat for around 2 minutes. To this, add 1 cup of cheese, 1 cup of salsa, and the sautéed onion and bell pepper. Stir everything together until it’s nice and combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Now comes the fun part! Spoon the bean mixture evenly over the layer of corn tortilla chips in the dish. Next, add the cooked ground beef on top of the beans, making sure it’s spread out well.

Add Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the beef layer. Then, toss on the chopped green onions and sliced black olives to give it that extra flair.

Bake

Pop the casserole into your preheated oven. You’ll want to bake it until the cheese is melted and has a lovely golden touch, which should take about 20 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the diced tomatoes on top. Give it a couple of minutes to rest—this helps with slicing. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and more green onions. Then, dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!

Serving Suggestions

For the perfect meal, consider serving this Easy Taco Casserole Recipe with a side of guacamole or fresh salsa. Both add that extra zing that complements the casserole beautifully. Also, a simple green salad can round out the meal, providing a refreshing crunch alongside the hearty dish.

Tips for Success

To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly, consider using lean ground beef for a lighter version. If you want to control the spice levels, choose salsa varieties that match your preference. Finally, allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting into it for cleaner slices.

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a healthier twist. Adding black beans or corn will give it extra texture. For the vegetarians in your life, just omit the meat and toss in more veggies to keep that same satisfying taste.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, the oven works best for maintaining that great texture.

Pairing Ideas

For a complete meal, you can serve the casserole with a side of Spanish rice. Alternatively, pair it with crispy tortilla chips for that delightful crunch that everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I make this taco casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just pop it in the oven when ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftover taco casserole?
Yes! Just cover it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian alternative.

Is this taco casserole spicy?
The spice level depends on the salsa—use mild for less heat.

Can I add other toppings?
Feel free to customize with jalapeños, avocado, or any toppings your heart desires!

This Easy Taco Casserole Recipe is not only straightforward to prepare but also full of flavor that will delight your taste buds. With layers of ingredients that meld beautifully, it brings the comfort of a taco into a hearty casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Make it your own with customizable ingredients and toppings, and watch it quickly become a family favorite!

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