Taco Casserole

This easy Taco Casserole is layered with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and tortilla chips for a quick, family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Taco Casserole is a simple, comforting dinner packed with all your favorite taco flavors in one easy-to-bake dish. With seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, this family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

It’s customizable, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. I think your family will love this dinner.

How to make a Taco Casserole:

Start by cooking your ground beef. While the beef is cooking, crush some tortilla chips for the bottom of the casserole dish. Mix in the salsa, beans and taco seasoning with the beef.

Layer the beef on top of the tortilla chips. Spread the sour cream on top of the beef and then top with the cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 minutes and then top with the lettuce, tomatoes and olives.

Ingredient Notes:

• Oil – I use extra virgin olive oil, but any cooking oil you have on hand will work just fine.
• Ground Beef – Use 80/20 for flavor or lean beef and drain well.
• Salsa – Use your favorite brand.
• Chili Beans – Rinse beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
• Taco Seasoning – Adjust seasoning to taste or use homemade taco seasoning.
• Tortilla Chips – Slightly crush for texture without turning to crumbs.
• Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
• Black Olives – canned and drained.
• Fresh Diced Tomatoes

Directions:

Step One – Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or oil.

Step Two – Heat oil in skillet and cooked and crumble ground beef. Drain fat as needed. Add and mix in salsa, chili beans, and taco seasoning. Cook until heated through.

Step Three – Add crushed chips to the bottom of your casserole dish. Then add in beef and bean mixture. Spread sour cream over that and top with shredded cheese.

Step Four – Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Remove from the oven. Top with lettuce, olives, and diced tomatoes and serve.

What should you top the casserole with?

Top the casserole with your favorite taco toppings. Use lettuce, tomatoes, olives, jalapenos. Whatever you like on your tacos, add to the top of this casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Taco Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months.

Can I make it spicy?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or use spicy taco seasoning.

Pro Tips

• Add corn for extra sweetness and texture.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken.
• Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for taco-style toppings.
• Cover loosely with foil if cheese browns too quickly.

Try my other favorite Taco Inspired Dishes:

Taco Pizza – Your favorite taco ingredients piled into a pizza crust! This easy Taco Pizza makes the perfect weeknight dinner.

Taco Spaghetti – My new favorite way to make spaghetti, Taco Spaghetti! A Spaghetti casserole filled with those flavors you love from tacos. Taco seasoning, tomatoes, onions, all mixed in with noodles and Mexican Cheese.

Taco Mac Casserole – This Taco Mac Casserole is a family favorite and sure to please any picky eater. Made with seasoned ground beef, salsa, and coated in cream cheese. I grew up eating this, and your family can enjoy it out! It’s way better this way than from a box!

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