Taco Bake Casserole

Taco Bake Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, layered dish packed with seasoned ground meat, tortillas, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings. It delivers all the bold flavors of tacos in an easy-to-make, oven-baked casserole format that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the fun and flavor of tacos with the comfort and convenience of a baked casserole. It’s simple to assemble, easily customizable, and great for feeding a crowd. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or ground turkey
• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Tomato sauce or salsa
• Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
• Corn (frozen or canned)
• Flour or corn tortillas
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, avocado, jalapeños

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Stir in ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce or salsa, black beans, corn, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
6. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer tortillas to cover the bottom.
7. Add a layer of the meat mixture, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with a cheese layer on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Add your favorite toppings and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use tortilla chips or crushed corn chips instead of whole tortillas for a crunchy base.
• Swap in ground chicken or a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Add jalapeños or green chilies for extra heat.
• Mix in cooked rice or quinoa for more bulk.
• Use enchilada sauce instead of salsa for a deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per serving. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use corn tortillas?

Absolutely. Corn tortillas add a nice flavor and texture—just make sure they are fresh and pliable.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze it before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat or bake as directed.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt well and taste great in this casserole.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions to the meat mixture.

How do I prevent sogginess?

Don’t overload with sauce or wet ingredients, and allow the casserole to rest before slicing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make it spicy?

Add diced jalapeños, hot salsa, or extra chili powder to the meat mixture for more heat.

What can I serve with taco bake?

It pairs well with a side salad, rice, guacamole, or chips and salsa.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, use black beans, pinto beans, or lentils in place of meat for a hearty vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Taco Bake Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together all the best parts of tacos in one easy-to-make, satisfying bake. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a casual gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

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