Easy Cheesy Taco Casserole Recipe: Fiesta Night Made Simple

Comfort food takes on a whole new level with this mouthwatering cheesy taco casserole that combines bold Mexican-inspired flavors and irresistible melted cheese.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy tortilla chips, and gooey cheese create a hearty meal that screams deliciousness.

Every bite promises a perfect blend of zesty spices and creamy textures that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

The casserole comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy families.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sour cream, and chopped cilantro add a vibrant finish to this crowd-pleasing favorite.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to become the dinner hero your family will cheer for.

Cheesy Taco Casserole Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that provides hearty flavor and substance for the casserole.

• Taco Seasoning: Spice blend that adds classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Salsa: Adds zesty tomato sauce with additional texture and traditional taco taste.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Provides tangy and slightly spicy moisture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates creamy binding and golden top layer.
• Black Olives: Offers salty and rich accent to the casserole's overall flavor.
• Sour Cream: Cool and creamy topping that balances the spicy elements.

• Black Beans: Adds protein, texture, and authentic southwestern character.
• Corn: Sweet kernel that provides additional texture and nutritional value.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion garnish that adds brightness and color.
• Cilantro: Herbaceous garnish with distinctive fresh flavor.

• Tortillas: Creates layered structure and absorbs flavors of the casserole.

• Green Chilies: Introduces mild heat and complexity to the dish.

Cooking Cheesy Taco Casserole Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some serious flavor action.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned.

Wave goodbye to any extra grease by draining it away.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Black beans

Let everything bubble and mingle for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Base

Grab a greased 9×13 casserole dish and line the bottom with soft tortillas.

Step 5: Build Amazing Layers

• Beef mixture
• Corn
• Salsa
• Cheddar cheese

Repeat these layers to create a flavor explosion.

Step 6: Crown the Casserole

Sprinkle additional cheese on top and scatter black olives if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for bubbly, golden cheese that’s begging to be devoured.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

• Chopped green onions
• Dollop of sour cream
• Fresh cilantro

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for the Ultimate Taco Casserole

• Remove all excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Adjust taco seasoning or add hot sauce to match your preferred heat intensity, making the dish mild or fiery.
• Arrange tortillas and ingredients evenly to create consistent flavor and texture in every bite, preventing dry or soggy sections.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and more even coverage compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Fun Taco Casserole Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan alternative.
• Chicken Taco Casserole: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a leaner protein option. Add extra spices to boost flavor intensity.
• Low-Carb Taco Bake: Substitute tortillas with cauliflower rice or zucchini slices. Use lettuce wraps as a crispy topping instead of traditional tortilla layers.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta Casserole: Use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla chips. Verify all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Casserole

• Fiesta Plate Perfection: Arrange slices on colorful ceramic plates to highlight the golden cheese and layered textures.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve with fresh guacamole, crisp salsa, or tangy pico de gallo to complement the casserole's rich flavors.
• Cool Cream Companion: Add dollops of sour cream and sprinkle extra cilantro for a creamy, fresh finish that balances the warm, spicy dish.
• Hearty Meal Maker: Pair with a light Mexican-style salad or Spanish rice to create a complete, satisfying dinner experience.

Cheesy Taco Casserole Storage Advice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned similarly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free tortillas and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe has mild heat from diced tomatoes with green chilies. For more kick, add extra jalapeños or use a spicier salsa. For less heat, choose mild versions of ingredients.

Taco Night Just Got Cheesier

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a delicious tex-mex style meal that appeals to all ages, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, allowing even beginner cooks to create a satisfying meal in under an hour.
• Versatile Ingredient Swaps: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs by substituting ground beef with turkey, using vegetarian alternatives, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Utilizes affordable, common ingredients that can feed a large group without breaking the bank, making it an economical dinner option for households.

Cheesy Taco Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy taco casserole brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of hearty flavors and melted goodness. Savory ground beef, zesty seasonings, and gooey cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal that makes dinner feel like a fiesta.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20)
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Dairy and Tortillas:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup salsa
• Sour cream (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, thoroughly draining excess fat.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans into the beef, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 5 minutes.
4. Create a foundational layer of tortillas across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla base, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Sprinkle corn kernels across the beef layer, followed by a generous spread of salsa.
7. Generously cover the salsa with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a rich and flavorful stratum.
8. Repeat the layering process, building additional depth and complexity to the casserole.
9. Crown the casserole with an extra layer of cheese and scatter black olives for added texture and visual appeal.
10. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
11. Once removed from oven, garnish with freshly chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle of cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version that’s still packed with flavor.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and selecting no-salt-added canned beans and tomatoes.
• Create a gluten-free option by replacing wheat tortillas with corn tortillas or cauliflower rice as a base layer.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and storing covered in the refrigerator before baking for easy weeknight meals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 482 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg