Beef Taco Casserole Recipe
This hearty Beef Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas for a deliciously easy dinner. Layers of flavorful taco meat and gooey cheese baked to bubbly perfection make it a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknights.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 oz)
- 1/2 cup water (for taco seasoning)
Main Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas or 3 cups tortilla chips, broken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, sour cream, salsa
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water; simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Layer the Casserole: Place a layer of tortillas or tortilla chips at the bottom of the casserole dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef, and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, or salsa if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free variation.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: beef casserole, taco casserole, easy dinner, Mexican casserole, ground beef recipe, cheesy casserole