Easy Taco Casserole Recipe
Taco casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of your favorite tacos into one easy meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that’s quick to prepare and satisfying. This recipe is great for families and can be easily adapted to suit your taste.
Why make this recipe
Making taco casserole is a great idea because it’s simple and fun! It requires minimal effort and uses ingredients you may already have at home. Plus, everyone loves a good cheesy casserole. It’s an excellent way to enjoy taco night without the fuss of individual tacos. This dish also provides a great way to use leftover ingredients and can feed a crowd easily.
How to make Easy Taco Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor)
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15.5 ounce) jar salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar), divided
- Toppings (optional, to taste): tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, avocado, black olives, sour cream, lettuce
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and move the rack to the middle position.
- Add the olive oil and ground beef to a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in the onion, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Layer the crushed Doritos in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- If needed, spoon out any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, salsa, and half of the cheese, letting everything warm through until the cheese melts.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the Doritos and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until hot and the cheese is melty.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
How to serve Easy Taco Casserole
You can serve taco casserole straight from the oven. Offer a variety of toppings on the side so everyone can customize their plates. Some great options to include are diced tomatoes, cilantro, sliced scallions, avocado, black olives, sour cream, and fresh lettuce. This makes the dish not only tasty but also visually appealing.
How to store Easy Taco Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to cover it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Tips to make Easy Taco Casserole
- For extra flavor, try adding some diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Experiment with different cheese types or add a spicy cheese for added heat.
- Consider using taco seasoning mix instead of individual spices for convenience.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and increase the number of beans or add veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. You can replace dairy cheese with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I make taco casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it when you are ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze taco casserole?
Absolutely! Taco casserole freezes well. Just ensure it is properly covered to prevent freezer burn.
3. Is it possible to use a different type of chip?
Yes, you can use any tortilla chips. Just keep in mind that different flavors will change the overall taste of the dish.
Easy Taco Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and move the rack to the middle position.
- Add the olive oil and ground beef to a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in the onion, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Layer the crushed Doritos in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- If needed, spoon out any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, salsa, and half of the cheese, letting everything warm through until the cheese melts.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the Doritos and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until hot and the cheese is melty.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.