If you’re looking for an Easy recipe that brings the bold flavors of taco night into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole, you’ve found your new go-to dish. This taco casserole combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and fresh flavors wrapped in warm tortillas to deliver a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential for crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this Easy taco casserole. Each one plays a special role—from the spicy kick of taco seasoning to the creamy richness of cream cheese, creating layers of flavor you’re going to love.

Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that carries all those wonderful taco flavors.
Medium onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
Taco seasoning packet: Brings that signature zesty Mexican spice blend.
Tomato sauce (15 ounces): Provides a rich, tangy sauce that ties everything together.
Black beans (15 ounces, rinsed and drained): Adds texture and a protein boost, making the casserole more filling.
Corn (15 ounces, drained): Gives a pop of sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
Chopped green chilies (4 ounces): Offers subtle heat and complexity without overpowering.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds creamy tang that softens and enriches each bite.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates a silky layer that melds all the flavors.
Flour tortillas (12, 6-inch size): The soft, warm layers that hold the casserole together perfectly.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully over the top and throughout the layers for gooey goodness.
Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, and extra sour cream let you customize each serving.

How to Make Taco Casserole: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up so it cooks evenly. This is the backbone of your Easy taco casserole. Once browned, drain off excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily. Add the chopped onion to the beef, cooking until soft and translucent, which will bring a wonderful sweetness and texture to your filling.

Step 2: Season and Simmer the Meat Mixture

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet and pour the tomato sauce over the beef and onions. Stir everything well to ensure the seasoning coats every morsel of meat. Turn the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is key to let all those flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly, laying the perfect flavor foundation for your casserole.

Step 3: Add Beans, Corn, and Green Chilies

Mix in the black beans, corn, and chopped green chilies. These ingredients lift the filling with extra texture and layers of flavor to keep each bite interesting. Simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes just to heat everything through—now your filling is all set and tasty.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This Easy step adds a luscious, tangy layer that balances the spices from the taco filling perfectly. Set this aside for assembling your casserole.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grab a baking dish and layer your tortillas, meat mixture, cheese blend, and shredded cheddar cheese alternately until all ingredients are used up. The tortillas soak up the delicious juices while holding everything together in marvelous harmony. Finish with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with a golden edge. The warm, cheesy aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is just irresistible!

How to Serve Taco Casserole: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Garnishes

To elevate your Easy taco casserole, pile on fresh garnishes like shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for crunch and brightness. Add dollops of salsa, creamy guacamole, and extra sour cream to bring freshness and creaminess that beautifully contrast the warm layers beneath.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lime vinaigrette or a zesty Mexican rice. Both add freshness and a vibrant pop that complements the casserole without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual casserole portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. Alternatively, scoop the casserole into warm tortilla bowls or alongside crispy tortilla chips for a festive taco night experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Easy taco casserole, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! To save for a future meal, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, comforting dinner whenever you need it.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or on a low oven setting until warmed through. Adding a few extra sprinkles of cheese on top before warming will revive that freshly baked appeal you loved the first time around.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and veggies. The seasonings and other ingredients still make it a flavorful, satisfying Easy option for meatless dinners.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds sharpness, but you can also mix in Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a more complex flavor. Just make sure to use good melting cheeses to get that creamy, gooey texture.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

You can! Corn tortillas will add a different texture and slightly firmer bite. Be sure to soften them first by warming or briefly frying to prevent cracking during layering.

Is it okay to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a fantastic Easy dish for meal planning or entertaining.

What can I add to make it spicier?

If you like heat, feel free to add more chopped green chilies, a splash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. These simple additions will turn your Easy casserole up a notch without overpowering the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Easy taco casserole is just the kind of comforting, flavorful dish to keep in your weekly dinner rotation. It’s simple to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and perfect for sharing with family or friends after a busy day. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy all the best parts of taco night wrapped up in one delightful casserole!

Taco Casserole: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Weeknight Dinner

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Taco Casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and green chilies layered with creamy cheese and tortillas. Topped with fresh veggies and your favorite salsa or guacamole, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for the whole family.

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until no large clumps remain, about 7-10 minutes.
Drain Excess Grease: Carefully drain the excess grease from the skillet using a colander or spoon, being cautious not to lose any meat.
Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Seasoning and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and tomato sauce, mixing well to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the meat.
Simmer Mixture: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
Incorporate Beans, Corn, and Chilies: Stir in the rinsed black beans, drained corn, and chopped green chilies, mixing to combine thoroughly.
Heat Through: Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the added ingredients, then remove from heat.
Prepare Creamy Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
Assemble the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer tortillas, meat mixture, creamy cheese blend, and shredded cheddar cheese, repeating layers until ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for approximately 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Add optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, and extra sour cream as desired.

Notes

Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option if preferred.
Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice tolerance.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
Adding jalapeños can add extra spice and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking and stovetop cooking
Cuisine: Mexican-American