Taco Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional tacos into a simple bake. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. It’s easy to make, and everyone will love it!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Taco Casserole because it’s quick, tasty, and can feed a crowd. It uses everyday ingredients, making it easy to whip up with items you may already have at home. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
How to Make Taco Casserole
Making Taco Casserole is straightforward and fun. Here’s how you can create this delightful dish in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ½ cup rinsed and drained black beans
- 1 cup lightly crushed chips
- ⅓ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the ½ cup of diced red onion and ½ cup of diced bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking the meat up as it cooks, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the spices: 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoon of cumin, ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of coriander, ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the ¾ cup of water, cooking until the beef sauce slightly thickens. Then, add the ½ cup of corn kernels and ½ cup of rinsed and drained black beans. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Top the beef with 1 cup of lightly crushed chips, then sprinkle with ⅓ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup of shredded Monterey jack cheese. Bake until the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes.
- Top the taco casserole with your desired toppings and serve immediately.
How to Serve Taco Casserole
Serve Taco Casserole hot right out of the oven. You can top it with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a side of salad or rice.
How to Store Taco Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Taco Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to keep this dish lighter, or swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a different twist.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to boost the nutrition.
- Adjust the spices to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version of Taco Casserole by omitting the ground beef and using extra beans, lentils, or vegetables instead. You can also try different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Taco Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and layer it in the baking dish ahead of time. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.
Is Taco Casserole suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Taco Casserole is great for meal prep. You can divide it into portions and store them for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I use different meats in the Taco Casserole?
Yes, you can use any ground meat you prefer, such as turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
Enjoy making and sharing this yummy Taco Casserole! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Taco Casserole
Ingredients
For the beef mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef Use lean beef for a lighter option.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ½ cup rinsed and drained black beans
For the topping
- 1 cup lightly crushed chips
- ⅓ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and diced bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the lean ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking the meat up as it cooks, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the spices: smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, coriander, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the water, cooking until the beef sauce slightly thickens. Then add the corn kernels and rinsed and drained black beans. Stir until everything is well combined.
Assembly and Baking
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Top the beef with the lightly crushed chips, then sprinkle with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey jack cheese.
- Bake until the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes.
- Top the taco casserole with your desired toppings and serve immediately.
