Easy Taco Bake Casserole Recipe

This taco bake casserole is a hearty, layered dish that combines all the best flavors of tacos in a comforting, baked format.

Think of it as a deconstructed taco made even easier to serve!

Instead of assembling individual tacos, this casserole brings together seasoned meat, gooey cheese, tortillas or chips, and your favorite toppings in one easy-to-make dish.

It’s a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep since it’s simple to customize and feeds a crowd effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this delicious taco bake casserole:

• Ground beef or turkey: Choose your preferred protein, or use plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.
• Taco seasoning: Use a store-bought mix or make your own for a personalized flavor.
• Tortillas, chips, or pasta: These act as the base layers. Soft tortillas create a more traditional casserole texture, while chips add a crunchy twist.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work perfectly for that melty goodness.
• Salsa: Adds a burst of flavor and keeps the dish moist.
• Beans and corn (optional): Black beans or pinto beans and sweet corn kernels add heartiness and texture.
• Toppings: Think sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, and cilantro.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Bake Casserole

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.

2. Cook the Meat

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat.
• Drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Add a splash of water to ensure even coating and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

3. Layer the Ingredients

• Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Add a layer of tortillas or chips, overlapping slightly to cover the base.
• Spoon half of the cooked meat mixture over the base layer.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top.
• Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese.

4. Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Cool and Serve

• Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, or guacamole.

Best Toppings for Your Taco Bake Casserole

• Fresh and crunchy: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced radishes.
• Creamy options: Sour cream, guacamole, or queso.
• Zesty additions: Cilantro, lime wedges, and pickled jalapeños.
• Crispy extras: Crushed tortilla chips, fried onions, or crispy bacon bits.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Taco Bake: Substitute the meat with black beans, pinto beans, or a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice or thinly sliced zucchini as the base layers instead of tortillas or chips.
• Spicy Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce between the layers.
• Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 20 minutes to the cooking time.

Tips for the Perfect Taco Bake Casserole

• Prevent Sogginess: If using tortillas, lightly toast them before layering to avoid a soggy base.
• Choose the Right Cheese: Opt for cheese that melts well, like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
• Balance the Flavors: Adjust the spice level with mild or hot taco seasoning and customize with toppings for freshness.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Pair this taco bake casserole with delicious side dishes for a complete meal:

• Mexican Rice: A classic side that complements the casserole’s bold flavors. For a recipe click here.
• Refried Beans: Add a creamy, savory element.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette balances the richness. You can find our salad recipes here.
• Drinks and Desserts: Serve with margaritas or horchata, and finish with churros or flan for dessert. For more dessert ideas click here.

FAQ’s

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortillas or chips to ensure the dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How long does taco bake casserole last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or pork?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover pulled pork work wonderfully in this recipe.

Easy Taco Bake Casserole Recipe

This taco bake casserole combines layers of seasoned meat, cheese, tortillas, and flavorful toppings for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish. With a prep time of 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, it’s a quick and versatile dinner option.

Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 7 Servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade equivalent
• 6-8 small tortillas or 4 cups tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
• 1 cup salsa

Optional:

• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup corn kernels
• ½ cup sour cream for topping
• ½ cup diced tomatoes for topping
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro for topping
• ½ avocado sliced or diced for topping

Instructions

 

Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.

Cook the Meat

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat.
• Drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Add a splash of water to ensure even coating and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Layer the Ingredients

• Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Add a layer of tortillas or chips, overlapping slightly to cover the base.
• Spoon half of the cooked meat mixture over the base layer.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top.
• Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese.

Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Cool and Serve

• Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

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