This Taco Casserole is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that layers seasoned ground beef, cheesy goodness, and soft tortillas. Topped with melted cheddar and garnished with guacamole, cilantro, and sour cream, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Quick, easy, and sure to please the whole family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together effortlessly in this dish.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap in your favorite ingredients.
Comfort Food Classic: Layers of tortillas, savory beef, and gooey cheese make it irresistibly comforting.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and bake when ready for a fuss-free dinner.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: The savory foundation of the casserole, cooked to perfection and seasoned with taco spices.
Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that delivers classic Mexican-inspired flavor.
RoTel Diced Tomatoes with Chiles: Adds a spicy, tangy kick that complements the richness of the beef.
Nacho Cheese Soup: Creamy, cheesy goodness that ties the casserole together.
Sour Cream: A tangy addition that adds creaminess to the filling and balances the bold spices.
Grated Cheddar: A golden, melty topping that’s the hallmark of any good casserole.
Soft Tortillas: Acts as the “pasta” of this casserole, creating hearty layers.
Guacamole, Cilantro, and Extra Sour Cream: Optional toppings that add freshness and a finishing touch.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even baking and perfectly melted cheese.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This step prevents sticking and makes serving and cleaning up easier.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula (about 7-10 minutes).
Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being oily.
4. Season the Beef
Return the drained beef to the skillet.
Stir in a packet of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water.
Cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Mix the Casserole Filling
In a medium bowl, combine:
1 can of Ro*Tel diced tomatoes with chiles (drained)
1 can of nacho cheese soup
1/2 cup of sour cream.
Mix well and stir in the seasoned beef until evenly combined.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Layer 3 tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping as needed.
Spread 1/3 of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas.
Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of tortillas on top.
7. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of tortillas. The cheese will melt into a gooey, golden topping.
8. Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned at the edges.
9. Serve and Garnish
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
Slice and serve warm, garnished with:
Chopped cilantro
Guacamole
Additional sour cream (optional).
Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful casserole!
Serving Suggestions:
This taco casserole is a star on its own, but you can elevate your meal with these side pairings:
Mexican Rice: A perfect side dish to round out the meal.
Black Beans or Refried Beans: Adds more protein and a traditional touch.
Corn Salad: A fresh, zesty accompaniment to balance the rich casserole.
Chips and Salsa: Keep the Mexican fiesta theme going!
For beverages, pair this dish with a refreshing margarita, an agua fresca, or a cold Mexican beer.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for best results.
Freezer: Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in the morning or a day ahead, store in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving.
Variations to Try:
Get creative and make this recipe your own with these fun twists:
Chicken Taco Casserole: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.
Vegetarian: Use a mix of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers instead of meat.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Low-Carb: Replace tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a keto-friendly version.
Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs to the beef mixture for a brunch-friendly twist.
Conclusion:
Taco Casserole is the perfect combination of bold flavors and comforting layers, making it a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. The best part? You can customize it endlessly to suit your family’s preferences.
TACO CASSEROLE: A Layered Fiesta of Flavors
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can Ro*Tel diced tomatoes with chiles drained
- 1 can nacho cheese soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 12 pieces 8-inch soft tortillas
- guacamole for garnish
- cilantro chopped, for garnish
- sour cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
- Return the drained beef to the skillet. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- In a bowl, combine drained Ro*Tel tomatoes, nacho cheese soup, and sour cream. Stir in the seasoned beef until evenly combined.
- Layer 3 tortillas in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread 1/3 of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Repeat the layers twice more, ending with a layer of tortillas on top.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of tortillas.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned at the edges.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro, guacamole, and additional sour cream if desired.