Easy & Ultimate Taco Casserole: A Quick Weeknight Meal Your Family Will Love
Say goodbye to your usual Taco Tuesday routine and welcome a fantastic twist with this incredibly delicious and satisfying Taco Casserole! Imagine all your favorite taco fixings – seasoned ground beef, tasty beans, melty cheese, vibrant salsa, and crunchy tortilla chips – layered perfectly into one easy-to-make casserole dish. It’s a culinary creation that promises to be a resounding success at your dinner table and is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. In fact, it has already earned a top spot on our list of go-to ground beef dinners, and we’re sure it will for you too!
Why This Taco Casserole is Your New Weeknight Hero
As the “back to school” season approaches and busy schedules kick into high gear, the search for quick, easy, and satisfying dinner recipes becomes a top priority for many households. Between school activities, sports practices, games, and various appointments, weeknights can feel incredibly rushed. Finding meals that come together effortlessly, please everyone, and don’t require extensive cleanup is a dream come true for busy parents and individuals alike. This easy taco casserole perfectly fits that bill, offering a comforting and flavorful solution to your dinner dilemmas.
Embracing a “Mexican night” at least once a week is a beloved tradition in many homes, including ours! Mexican food, with its vibrant flavors and diverse options, holds a special place in our hearts. Tacos, in particular, are a universal crowd-pleaser, especially with kids. This taco casserole captures the essence of classic tacos but transforms them into a hearty, baked dish. The beauty of a casserole lies in its convenience: all the delicious ingredients are assembled in a single dish, leading to significantly less cleanup – a major bonus for anyone who loves to cook but dreads doing dishes! This recipe brings together all the components your family adores about tacos, but in a format that’s even simpler to prepare and serve, making it an ideal choice for a delicious and hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Explore More Taco-Inspired Dinner Ideas
If you’re anything like us, you can’t get enough of the incredible flavors that tacos bring to the table. Beyond this fantastic taco casserole, there are countless ways to infuse your meals with that irresistible Tex-Mex flair. Whether you’re looking for appetizers, lighter options, or another hearty main, these taco-inspired recipes are sure to spark some dinner inspiration and add excitement to your menu. From crispy nachos piled high with toppings to savory empanadas and unique pasta dishes, these recipes promise to deliver all the bold and zesty tastes you crave.
The Secret to Authentic Flavor: Homemade Taco Seasoning
While a packet of store-bought taco seasoning is certainly convenient, taking a few extra minutes to whip up your own homemade taco seasoning can elevate this taco casserole to a whole new level. Not only is making your own seasoning incredibly simple, but it also comes with numerous benefits. You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring no artificial additives or excessive sodium, making it a healthier option for your family. Plus, it’s often more cost-effective in the long run, and you likely already have all the necessary spices in your cabinet right now!
Crafting your own blend means you can customize the spice level to suit your family’s preferences – make it mild for the kids or kick up the heat for the adults. The fresh aroma and vibrant taste of homemade seasoning truly make a difference, infusing your ground beef and beans with a depth of flavor that a pre-made packet simply can’t match. It’s a small step that yields a huge reward in terms of taste and quality. So, next time you’re preparing this easy taco casserole, why not give homemade taco seasoning a try? You might find it becomes your new kitchen staple!
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Taco Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible taco casserole. This recipe calls for fresh, wholesome items that combine to create a symphony of flavors and textures. From the savory ground beef to the colorful vegetables and rich cheeses, each component plays a vital role in making this dish a true family favorite. Below is a detailed list of everything you’ll need to prepare this easy and satisfying meal. Remember, you can find the full printable recipe card with exact measurements and instructions further down this page.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 3 cups broken tortilla chips
- 1 lb 13 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 16 oz salsa (choose your favorite heat level!)
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning (try our homemade taco seasoning for best results)
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, red, yellow, and green, chopped
- 5 green onions, chopped
- 1 can sliced olives, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar and/or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup chopped or shredded Romaine lettuce
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Effortless Preparation
Having the right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen, turning cooking from a chore into a joy. For this taco casserole, a few basic items will ensure your preparation is smooth and efficient. These are common kitchen essentials, so you likely already have them on hand. If not, they are great additions to any home cook’s collection.
- Large Skillet: Essential for browning your ground beef and combining the initial taco filling.
- 13×9 Casserole Dish: The perfect size for assembling and baking your family-sized taco casserole.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly shredded cheese, which melts beautifully and adds superior flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Taco Casserole
Creating this irresistible taco casserole is remarkably straightforward, making it an excellent option for even the busiest evenings. The process involves a few simple steps, from browning the beef to assembling and baking, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. As you can see below, before it even goes into the oven, this casserole is packed with colorful ingredients and promises a delightful meal. It’s truly a taco lover’s dream, filled with all the fixings you adore, baked into a comforting dish!
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
- In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step helps keep your casserole from being greasy.
- Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, your favorite salsa, and the taco seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
- In your 13×9 inch casserole dish, spread 2 1/2 cups of broken tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. This forms a delicious, crunchy base for your casserole.
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef, bean, and salsa mixture over the tortilla chips. Ensure it’s spread in an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle the chopped bell peppers, sliced green onions, drained olives, and the shredded cheddar and/or Monterey Jack cheese over the ground beef mixture. This adds fresh flavor and a beautiful cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and melted to golden perfection.
- Once out of the oven, top the hot casserole with fresh chopped Romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and the remaining 1/2 cup of broken tortilla chips for an added crunch and burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Straight from the oven, bubbling with melty cheese and topped with a vibrant medley of fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly crumbled tortilla chips, this taco casserole is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of seasoned beef, tender beans, and a delightful crunch, truly making it a taco lover’s dream come true. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a cozy family dinner or feeding a hungry crowd.
A New Family Favorite for All Seasons
This Taco Casserole has quickly cemented its place as a new family favorite in our home, captivating everyone with its robust flavors and incredible ease of preparation. Its versatility means it’s perfect for any time of year – it was a summer sensation and is definitely staying on our menu through the busy fall and beyond. The straightforward steps and familiar, comforting ingredients make it a stress-free option for any night of the week. Not only is it ideal for casual family dinners, but it also makes a fantastic, crowd-pleasing dish to bring to potlucks, game day gatherings, or any social event where good food is appreciated. We sincerely hope your family enjoys this hearty and delicious taco casserole as much as ours does!
If you’re on the hunt for another sensational casserole recipe that’s packed with flavor, be sure to explore our Southwest Ground Beef Casserole. It combines savory ground beef with bold Southwest-inspired flavors, creating a dish that’s so incredibly tasty, you’ll find it hard to put down your fork!
More Great Mexican Recipes You’re Sure to Enjoy
Our love for Mexican-inspired dishes runs deep in this household, and we’re always excited to share more of our favorite recipes with you. From vibrant appetizers perfect for entertaining to flavorful sides and unique twists on classic dishes, these recipes promise to bring a fiesta of flavors to your kitchen. Get ready to spice up your meal routine with these delicious and easy-to-make Mexican culinary delights that everyone will adore!
- Next time you find yourself with an irresistible urge to open a bag of tortilla chips, elevate your snack game with this gorgeous Fiesta Guacamole from A Dish of Daily Life. It’s fresh, creamy, and bursting with authentic flavor!
- This colorful and aromatic Mexican Rice and Beans from A Dish of Daily Life makes the perfect, hearty side dish. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or any main course for a complete and satisfying meal.
- If you’ve ever dreamt of making your own, this recipe for homemade flour tortillas is an absolute winner! They’re soft, pliable, and far superior to store-bought versions, perfect for any taco night.
- Discover how incredibly easy it is to make homemade salsa from canned tomatoes. The rich, fresh flavors will transport you straight to your favorite Mexican restaurant, right from your own kitchen.
- For all the enchilada enthusiasts out there, these shredded chicken and chile enchiladas are an absolute must-try. They are packed with tender chicken, savory sauce, and melted cheese, destined to make it onto your “must make” list.
- Have you ever experienced the unique warmth of Mexican hot chocolate? Our Champurrado recipe, a thick Mexican hot chocolate with a delightful hint of cinnamon, is perfect for cozy cooler weather evenings.
- This taco pie recipe offers a fun and creative twist on traditional tacos. Layered like a classic taco but baked in a pie form, it’s a delightful way to shake up your Taco Tuesdays!
Taco Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 3 cups broken tortilla chips
- 1 lb 13 oz can of black beans drained and rinsed
- 16 oz salsa
- ¼ cup taco seasoning homemade
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers red, yellow, and green, chopped
- 5 green onions chopped
- 1 can sliced olives drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar and/or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 1 cup chopped or shredded Romaine lettuce
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium high heat until cooked thoroughly, about 5-7 min.
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Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in black beans, salsa, and taco seasoning. Reduce heat to medium and cook for a few more minutes.
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In 13×9 casserole dish, place 2 1/2 cups of broken tortilla chips on the bottom of the dish. Top with ground beef, bean and salsa mixture.
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Sprinkle the bell peppers, cut green onions, olives and cheese on top of the ground beef mixture.
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Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted. Top casserole with lettuce, tomato, and the remaining 1/2 cup of broken tortilla chips.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This delightful taco casserole recipe was originally published on our blog on August 21, 2016, and has since become a cherished family favorite, continually bringing joy and deliciousness to countless dinner tables.