Taco Casserole Recipe

I just experienced an explosion of flavor with this Ground Beef Tortilla Casserole. Every bite delivers layers of hearty beef, melty cheese, and crisp tortillas perfectly mingled with diced tomatoes, black beans and corn. I invite you to savor each rewarding bite as you explore this beloved and satisfying recipe.

I recently tried out a new taco casserole recipe and it’s quickly become one of my weeknight favorites. I started by browning 1 lb ground beef with a small diced onion and minced garlic until everything was nicely browned.

Then I tossed in a packet of taco seasoning mixed with a bit of water to keep it saucy. Layering the dish was half the fun; I arranged crispy corn tortillas, followed by that spicy beef mix, and ended with a generous layer of 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.

I love how the cheese melts into all the nooks. I even mixed in some drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and a cup of corn kernels for extra texture and tang.

There’s a twist here that reminds me of those creative ground beef and tortilla casseroles that blend the best of hard taco crunch with soft, gooey cheese. It’s messy, flavorful, and an absolute blast to make!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s easy to whip up even on busy nights and always comes out amazing. I love how the seasoned ground beef mixes with the melty cheddar cheese and crispy tortillas to create a bunch of different textures in every bite. I also enjoy the mix of ingredients like the black beans, corn and tomatoes which adds a cool burst of flavor that isn’t too overpowering. Lastly, topping it off with sour cream and cilantro gives it that kick that makes the dish extra satisfying.

Ingredients

• Ground beef is high in protein and fats; adds hearty flavor to the dish.
• Corn tortillas are rich in carbs and fiber; they give a nice mild sweetness.
• Black beans offer extra protein and fiber; they make the meal more filling.
• Diced tomatoes bring tangy moisture and vitamins; perfect for balancing flavors.
• Cheddar cheese is a tasty protein source but does add some saturated fats.
• Garlic boosts flavor with a bit of spice and antioxidants in every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 10 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
• Optional: 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• Optional: Sour cream and chopped cilantro for garnish

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F while you get your other ingredients ready.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until its browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion gets soft.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Let it all simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens a bit.

4. In a 9×13 casserole dish, lay down about 3 corn tortillas as the first layer. If they don’t cover the entire bottom, it’s okay if some parts are exposed.

5. Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortilla layer.

6. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese followed by some of the diced tomatoes, drained black beans, and corn kernels. If you’re using them, add the sliced black olives on top.

7. Add another layer by placing more tortillas over the fillings, then pour the rest of the beef mixture and repeat with the topping layers of cheese, tomatoes, beans, and corn.

8. Make sure the final layer is covered with plenty of cheese – this will give it a nice melty top.

9. Bake it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until everything’s hot and the cheese is bubbly. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top.

Equipment Needed

1. An oven to preheat to 375°F
2. A large skillet for browning the ground beef
3. A 9×13 casserole dish to assemble the layers
4. A sharp knife for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic
5. A cutting board to prep the vegetables
6. A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the beef mixture
7. A measuring cup to measure out the 1/2 cup of water
8. A colander to drain the diced tomatoes and black beans
9. A can opener for opening the canned tomatoes and beans

FAQ

Taco Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef – you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option.
• Taco seasoning – try making your own mix using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and a pinch of paprika instead of the packet.
• Onion – red onions or shallots can be used for a slightly different but tasty twist.
• Black beans – pinto beans or even kidney beans may work just fine if you dont have black beans around.
• Corn tortillas – you could use flour tortillas or even baked tortilla chips if you prefer a bit of crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Try letting your ground beef really brown before addin the onions and garlic. It helps develop more flavor, so don’t rush it or you’ll miss a great taste.
2. If your tortillas seem a little too dry or hard to bend, wrap ’em in a damp paper towel and zap in the microwave for 20 seconds. It makes ’em way more flexible and less likely to break.
3. When layering your casserole, be sure to sprinkle enough cheese in each layer. Extra cheese not only adds flavor but also helps everything stick together—remember, the final cheesy top is key.
4. Don’t be afraid to add a tiny bit more water or let the beef mixture simmer a few extra minutes if it feels too thick. It can make the fillings more even and juicy.