Easy Taco Bake Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Taco Bake Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layered with seasoned meat, tortillas, cheese, and fresh toppings, it combines all your favorite taco flavors into one hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
• 6-8 small tortillas (or 4 cups tortilla chips)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for topping)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for topping)
• 1/2 avocado sliced or diced (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water to the meat. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until the flavors meld.
3. Step 3: In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom. Layer half of the tortillas or tortilla chips over the salsa.
4. Step 4: Spread half of the cooked meat mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle half of the black beans and corn kernels. Add one cup of shredded cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Repeat the layers: remaining tortillas or chips, meat mixture, beans, corn, and cheese.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and avocado before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use corn tortillas or chips if you want a gluten-free option.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
• Replace ground meat with cooked shredded chicken for a different protein option.
• Mix in some cooked rice for added texture and substance.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, avoid adding fresh toppings until serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole a day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh when ready to serve, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Can I freeze the taco bake?

This casserole freezes well before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Easy Taco Bake Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

This Easy Taco Bake Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Layered with seasoned ground beef or turkey, tortillas or chips, beans, corn, salsa, and melty cheese, this casserole is baked to golden perfection. Topped with fresh sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado, it’s a comforting take on classic taco flavors made simple and delicious.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
• 6–8 small tortillas (or 4 cups tortilla chips)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

Toppings

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 avocado sliced or diced

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (as directed on the seasoning packet), cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Layer the bottom with tortillas or sprinkle with tortilla chips for a crunchy base.
5. Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the cooked meat mixture evenly over the tortillas or chips. Next, layer half of the black beans, corn, salsa, and shredded cheese. Repeat layering with the remaining meat, beans, corn, salsa, and finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
6. Bake Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Add Toppings: Remove casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with spoonfuls of sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado before serving.
8. Serve: Slice into portions and serve warm. This dish pairs well with a side salad or Mexican rice for a full meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey with extra-lean ground beef or plant-based meat for different dietary preferences.
• Using stale tortillas can add extra crunch when layered in the casserole.
• Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the taco seasoning and tortillas are certified gluten free or use tortilla chips made from corn.

Keywords: taco bake, casserole, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, Mexican casserole, baked tacos, weeknight meal