Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Taco Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining seasoned ground beef, beans, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and bake.

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 your 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. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño (if using). Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the taco seasoning, black beans, green chiles, tomato paste, and salsa to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted and combined.
6. Step 6: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and serve topped with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Add corn or diced bell peppers for extra veggies and color.
• For a spicier casserole, include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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 beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake the casserole just before serving for best results.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of salsa?

While fresh tomatoes can work, salsa adds a depth of flavor and seasoning that fresh tomatoes alone might lack. If using fresh tomatoes, consider adding extra spices to compensate.

Taco Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews

This hearty Taco Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, green chiles, and a blend of Mexican cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it offers bold flavors with an easy preparation method that the whole family will enjoy.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

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.
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 no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
3. Add Garlic and Jalapeño: Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
4. Mix in Seasonings and Vegetables: Add the taco seasoning, black beans, green chiles, tomato paste, and salsa to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
5. Add Cheese to Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend to the beef mixture, allowing it to melt slightly.
6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out 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 is fully melted and slightly golden.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, or diced avocado. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
• For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Use gluten-free taco seasoning if you need this recipe to be gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This casserole pairs well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad.

Keywords: Taco Casserole, Mexican Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Baked Mexican Dish, Easy Dinner Recipe