Taco Casserole: A Cheesy, Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Taco Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that brings all the best parts of tacos into one delicious baked meal. Seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, melty cheese, and crunchy toppings make this casserole a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is easy to customize and comes together in under an hour.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ One-Pan Meal – Easy prep and less cleanup!
✔️ Cheesy & Flavorful – Packed with seasoned meat, beans, and melty cheese.
✔️ Customizable – Swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Makes amazing leftovers for the next day.

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Secrets to the Best Taco Casserole

1. Use Taco-Seasoned Ground Beef

The seasoning mix gives the beef authentic taco flavor without extra effort.

2. Layer with Cheese for Extra Meltiness

Adding cheese between layers creates a gooey, cheesy bite in every forkful.

3. Finish with Fresh Toppings for a Burst of Flavor

Diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro add freshness and crunch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes & green chilies), drained
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice or crushed tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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For the Toppings:

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Tortilla chips for extra crunch

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How to Make Taco Casserole

Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Baking Dish

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
3. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

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Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread cooked rice or crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Layer the seasoned beef mixture on top.
3. Add black beans, corn, Rotel, and salsa, mixing slightly.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

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Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve

1. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes.
2. Top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, and cilantro.
3. Serve with sour cream and tortilla chips on the side.

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How to Store & Reheat Taco Casserole

Storing Leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Can You Freeze Taco Casserole?

Yes! Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Fun Variations & Add-Ins

1. Spicy Taco Casserole 🌶️

• Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.

2. Low-Carb Keto Taco Casserole 🥑

• Skip the rice and chips, and use cauliflower rice instead.

3. Chicken Taco Casserole 🍗

• Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.

4. Vegetarian Taco Casserole 🥑

• Use extra beans, bell peppers, and zucchini instead of meat.

5. Doritos Taco Casserole 🧀

• Crush Doritos on top before baking for a cheesy crunch.

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What to Serve with Taco Casserole

🌮 Guacamole & Salsa – The perfect dip on the side.
🥗 Mexican Street Corn Salad – A fresh, creamy contrast.
🍹 Margaritas or Horchata – The ultimate taco night drinks.
🍚 Cilantro Lime Rice – Pairs perfectly with the casserole.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Mexican-Inspired Dish!

Taco Casserole is cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this dish never disappoints!

Try it out and let me know—what’s your favorite taco-inspired casserole twist?

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