Ground Beef Taco Casserole

Name: Ground Beef Taco Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 cup salsa; 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional); Sour cream; Sliced avocado; Chopped green onions

Highlighted under: Rustic Collection

I love making this Ground Beef Taco Casserole for family gatherings or cozy nights in. It's a fun twist on classic tacos, with ground beef, vibrant spices, and plenty of cheese all baked together in one dish. The flavors meld beautifully, and it’s super easy to prepare. Best of all, I can throw it together in just over an hour! Serve it with some fresh toppings, and everyone gets a hearty slice of taco goodness that really warms the soul.

Created by

Loretta Winslow

Last updated on 2026-02-01T14:49:35.833Z

Last weekend, I decided to experiment with a traditional taco recipe, and it turned out to be a delightful success! I used lean ground beef, adding onion and garlic for extra flavor. The secret is in the seasoning blend; I mixed chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt for that authentic taco taste. I love that everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

When layering the ingredients, I made sure to focus on cheese and toppings. The melted cheese on top creates a perfect golden crust, making each slice a cheesy delight. Don’t forget to serve it with fresh toppings like sour cream and avocado for that extra burst of flavor!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty, comforting flavors that everyone loves
Easy to assemble and requires minimal cleanup
Customizable with your favorite toppings and spices

      

The Right Meat Matters

Choosing the right ground beef is crucial for this casserole. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and fat. This fat content helps keep the beef moist during cooking, preventing it from drying out. If you're looking for a leaner alternative, ground turkey or chicken can work well, but be sure to add a bit more oil to the pan to maintain moisture.

When browning the meat, make sure to crumble it into smaller pieces for even cooking. Cooking over medium heat allows the beef to brown beautifully, enhancing its flavor. Be cautious not to cook it too quickly, as high heat can lead to tough, chewy meat instead of tender, juicy bites.

Layering for Success

Layering is key to achieving that perfect blend of flavors and textures in this taco casserole. Starting with a layer of crushed tortilla chips creates a delightful crunchy base, while the beef mixture adds a savory depth. For the cheese, I recommend a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack if you prefer a smoother melt. Layering half the cheese between the beef and the remaining cheese on top ensures every bite is gooey and cheesy.

Consider using a glass or ceramic baking dish as it not only offers even cooking but also makes it easy to manage the casserole's weight. If you have leftovers, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This casserole reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy a hearty slice for days!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious casserole:

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 cup salsa
3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

For Toppings

Sour cream
Sliced avocado
Chopped green onions

Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Ground Beef Taco Casserole:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

Add spices and beans

Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa, mixing well to combine.

Layer the casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips, followed by the beef mixture, and then cover with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Serve

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and top with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and avocado before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Taco Casserole!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicy salsa. You can also swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.

Tasty Toppings

Toppings can elevate your Ground Beef Taco Casserole, allowing for personalization based on individual tastes. I love the freshness of chopped cilantro, but you can also add diced tomatoes or jalapeños for an extra kick. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, while sliced avocado provides a luscious texture that complements the warm casserole perfectly.

Try adding crushed spicy tortilla chips on top for an unexpected crunch. If you're serving guests, providing a topping bar gives everyone the chance to customize their slices, making the meal interactive and fun.

Make-Ahead Magic

This taco casserole can easily be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When it's time to bake, you can pop it straight into the oven; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. This will ensure the casserole heats through evenly without compromising texture.

Freezing is another great option! To freeze, assemble the casserole unbaked in a freezer-safe dish. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual. This way, you always have a delicious meal on hand without any last-minute prep!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Absolutely! Freeze any leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

→ What can I substitute for the tortilla chips?

You can use crushed corn tortillas or nacho chips, or even substitute with cooked rice for a different texture.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.