If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort food with bold flavor, this ground beef taco casserole is the one. It’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with all the Tex-Mex goodness you love from taco night—just baked into one family-friendly dinner. With layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and shredded cheese, it’s the perfect one-pan dinner for busy weeknights or potlucks.
And the best part? This recipe is endlessly customizable. Whether you want a vegetarian taco casserole, a ground turkey version, or a cheesy taco bake topped with crunchy tortilla chips, there’s a variation for everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
Print Recipe
Taco Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and taco seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, until beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in black beans, frozen corn, and fresh salsa. Turn off the heat and mix in 1 cup of cheese until melted.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 2 cups of cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let the casserole cool slightly. Add desired toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, or tortilla chips before serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Taco Casserole
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 45 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing casserole: Kids and adults both love it.
- Customizable: Add or swap ingredients for your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep: Stays delicious as leftovers.
- Tex-Mex comfort food: All the flavors of taco night in one dish.
💡 If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll also love our Loaded Cauliflower Casserole or this Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado oil | 1 tbsp | Or cooking oil of choice |
| Onion | 1 medium (2 cups diced) | Adds flavor |
| Bell pepper | 1 large (1.5 cups diced) | Any color |
| Ground beef | 1 lb | 85/15 lean works best |
| Taco seasoning mix | 3 tbsp | Store-bought or homemade |
| Black beans | 15 oz can | Drained and rinsed |
| Frozen corn | 2 cups | Adds sweetness |
| Fresh salsa | 2 cups | For bold Mexican flavor |
| Pepper jack cheese | 3 cups | For melty goodness |
| Toppings | As desired | Sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, lettuce, jalapeños |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the oven and pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the veggies
In a large skillet, heat avocado oil. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Brown the beef
Add ground beef and taco seasoning mix. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, with the Mexican spicesreleasing their aroma.
4. Add beans, corn & salsa
Stir in black beans and corn, plus fresh salsa. Turn off heat and mix in 1 cup of cheese.
5. Assemble the casserole
Transfer mixture into the baking dish. Spread evenly, then top with remaining shredded cheese.
6. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Add toppings
Let cool slightly, then top with sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips.
Delicious Topping Ideas
- Classic: Sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese.
- Tex-Mex style: Salsa verde, jalapeños, cilantro.
- Crunchy: Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos.
- Fresh: Sliced avocado, green onions, or herbs.
Variations to Try
- Ground turkey taco casserole: Use turkey instead of beef.
- Vegetarian taco casserole: Skip meat and double the beans.
- Low-carb version: Replace corn and beans with zucchini or cauliflower rice.
- Cheesy taco bake: Use extra cheese and top with tortilla strips.
Nutrition Benefits
This recipe is high in protein, making it great for meal prep casseroles and busy families.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 554 kcal | Satisfying yet balanced |
| Protein | 36 g | Supports muscle health |
| Carbs | 35 g | Provides energy from beans & corn |
| Fiber | 9 g | Aids digestion |
| Vitamin C | 44 mg | Boosts immunity |
| Calcium | 490 mg | Strengthens bones |
| Iron | 4 mg | Supports energy production |
Tips for the Best Tex-Mex casserole
- Drain beans well to avoid excess moisture.
- Use fresh salsa for vibrant flavor.
- Shred your own cheese : it melts better than pre-shredded.
- Rest before serving : letting it sit 5 minutes makes slicing easier.
FAQs : Mexican taco casserole
Can I make taco casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! You can make a ground turkey taco casserole for a leaner option.
What side dishes go with taco casserole?
Pair this one-pan dinner with Mexican rice or a fresh salad.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip sour cream toppings.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely—this meal prep casserole reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Conclusion
This cheesy taco bake is the perfect crowd-pleasing casserole—packed with ground beef, beans, salsa, corn, and layers of melted cheese. Whether you serve it for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day, it’s guaranteed to bring Tex-Mex comfort to the table.
Make it your own with fun toppings like sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips—and enjoy a dish that makes taco night even easier.
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