Cheesy Taco Casserole Recipe
Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with Tex-Mex flavor? This Cheesy Taco Casserole is a family favorite comfort food layered with ground beef, beans, corn, and melty cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a fun Mexican-inspired dinner at home!
Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Casserole:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner version)
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn kernels
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella)
1 cup sour cream
½ cup salsa
1 package (10–12 oz) corn tortillas, cut into quarters
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
How to Make Cheesy Taco Casserole:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Add taco seasoning and water (per packet instructions). Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a small bowl, mix sour cream with salsa to create a creamy taco sauce.
6. Begin layering the casserole:
Spread half the taco-seasoned beef in the baking dish.
Add a layer of quartered tortillas.
Spread half the sour cream salsa mixture.
Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers: remaining beef, tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
7. Top with optional ingredients like olives, jalapeños, or cilantro.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until heated through.
9. Uncover and bake an additional 5–10 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Taco Casserole Variations:
Healthy taco casserole: Swap beef for ground turkey, use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt.
Vegetarian taco casserole: Skip the meat and add lentils, more beans, or quinoa.
Spicy taco bake: Mix jalapeños or hot sauce into the sour cream mixture.
Tex-Mex casserole: Add cooked rice, refried beans, or use tortilla chips instead of tortillas.
Cheesy upgrades: Try pepper jack, cotija, or drizzle queso or enchilada sauce on top before baking.
Meal Prep Tips & Time Savers:
Use pre-shredded cheese and pre-cut veggies.
Cook the meat and chop veggies in advance.
Great for leftovers toss in any extra rice, beans, or roasted vegetables!
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