Name: Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning; ½ cup water; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn, frozen or canned and drained; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; 6 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing); Chopped cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños (for serving)

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Looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight and fun enough for a fiesta? This Taco Casserole with Tortillas has all your favorite taco flavors—hearty meat, savory beans, melty cheese, and just the right kick of spice—layered up with soft tortillas for a dinner that’s as satisfying to serve as it is to eat. It’s a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that checks every box: convenient, family-friendly, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with big smiles.

Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Assembling the Taco Casserole with Tortillas starts with an ingredient list that’s comforting, colorful, and super approachable. Each element plays a role, from adding richness to providing pops of flavor, making this dish taste like a true celebration in a single pan!

Ground Beef (1 pound): Delivers classic taco flavor and heartiness; swap for turkey or chicken to lighten it up!
Onion (1 small, diced): Builds a sweet, savory base and brings out deeper flavors in the meat.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth and an irresistible aroma—freshly minced is best.
Taco Seasoning (1 packet, 1 oz): The secret weapon for that unmistakable taco taste—use your favorite store-bought or homemade blend.
Water (½ cup): Helps the seasoning blend evenly and creates a saucy, savory filling.
Black Beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Adds creaminess, fiber, and extra protein for a more substantial meal.
Corn (1 cup, frozen or canned and drained): Delivers bursts of sweetness and gorgeous color in every bite.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 10 oz, undrained): Gives the casserole its juicy tang and a tiny bit of heat.
Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, golden perfection—don’t skimp!
Flour or Corn Tortillas (6 small, cut into quarters): The magic layers that hold everything together and soak up all those taco flavors.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp, for brushing): Brushed on top for a little toastiness and extra crunch, especially if you love crispy edges.
Chopped Cilantro, Sour Cream, and Sliced Jalapeños (for serving): The finishing touches that let everyone customize their slice of taco casserole with tortillas.

How to Make Taco Casserole with Tortillas

Step 1: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is tender and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain any extra fat—this keeps your Taco Casserole with Tortillas from turning out greasy. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until it’s smelling amazing.

Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer

Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over your cooked beef mixture, then pour in the water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. This step lets all those flavors blend and thickens up the mixture so that every bite of your casserole is packed with bold taco goodness.

Step 3: Stir in the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

Add the black beans, corn, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice included) to the skillet. Mix it all up gently, letting the colors and textures combine. Once everything is incorporated and heated through, take the skillet off the heat so you’re ready to start building those irresistible taco casserole layers.

Step 4: Layer It All Up

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly so nothing sticks. Cover the bottom of the dish with a layer of tortilla quarters—use about a third of them, and don’t worry if they overlap a little. Spoon on one-third of your meat mixture, then sprinkle one-third of the cheese over the top. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on the very top. For extra crispy tortillas, lightly brush the top layer with olive oil before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps everything get hot and allows the cheese to start melting. Remove the foil, then bake for another 10 minutes uncovered. You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese with just a hint of browning. Let your Taco Casserole with Tortillas rest for 5–10 minutes after it comes out of the oven—this makes it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve Taco Casserole with Tortillas

Garnishes

The magic’s in the finishing touches! Scatter fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and herby flavor, then dollop on some creamy sour cream and scatter a few sliced jalapeños for those who love an extra kick. These garnishes not only taste bright and fresh but also make each serving of Taco Casserole with Tortillas look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with Mexican rice, a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette, or even a bowl of citrusy fruit salad. The casserole is rich and hearty, so lighter, zesty sides help balance the plate and make dinner feel like a real occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

There’s endless fun in serving Taco Casserole with Tortillas! Try cutting it into squares and layering on a taco bar of toppings so everyone can build their own perfect bite. Or, serve it in individual ramekins for an extra-cute, personalized touch at parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Taco Casserole with Tortillas are a dream—simply cover your cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge, where it stays fresh and delicious for up to four days. It reheats beautifully for easy lunches and dinners.

Freezing

Have extra or want to make this casserole ahead? Cool it completely, then wrap tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. For even easier future meals, slice portions in advance before freezing!

Reheating

To reheat, simply bake covered at 350°F (177°C) until hot and bubbly, about 25–30 minutes if frozen or 15–20 minutes if refrigerated. Individual slices can be microwaved for a quick meal, just until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

FAQs

Can I use different meats in Taco Casserole with Tortillas?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken if you’d like a lighter option. Even plant-based crumbles or lentils work well for a vegetarian twist while still capturing the heart of the dish.

What kind of tortillas work best?

Both flour and corn tortillas are delicious here—flour will be softer and creamier, while corn gives a bit more chew and a classic Mexican flavor. Use your favorite, or even better, try a mix!

How spicy is this taco casserole?

It has a gentle kick, thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies, but it’s definitely kid-friendly. Amp up the heat with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños for spice-lovers!

Can I assemble Taco Casserole with Tortillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can layer the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I keep my casserole from getting soggy?

Letting the casserole rest after baking lets the layers set up a bit and prevents sogginess. Also, brushing the top tortillas with olive oil before baking helps them crisp up nicely!

Final Thoughts

For nights when you want dinner that feels like a celebration with minimal effort, you just can’t beat Taco Casserole with Tortillas. It always hits the spot and brings people together for hearty, happy meals—give it a try this week and make it a new favorite at your table!

Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Taco Casserole with Tortillas is a delicious twist on traditional tacos, baked to cheesy perfection. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese sandwiched between tortillas make for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
½ cup water
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, frozen or canned and drained
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Assembly:

2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
6 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Chopped cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños (for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute. Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add black beans, corn, and tomatoes; remove from heat.
Layer Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer one-third of tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers twice more, ending with cheese. Brush top tortilla layer with olive oil.
Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños.