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Taco Casserole 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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