If you’re hunting for a family dinner that’s a total crowd-pleaser, look no further than Taco Casserole with Tortillas! This layered Tex-Mex bake is hearty, colorful, and delivers all the bold flavors of your favorite tacos, but in a fuss-free, cheesy casserole form. With minimal prep and super simple layers—think savory ground beef, black beans, corn, and plenty of gooey cheese all nestled between tortillas—this dish transforms an ordinary weeknight into something festive. Taco Casserole with Tortillas is so much more than a quick meal; it’s comfort food that makes everyone want seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Taco Casserole with Tortillas is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one brings something important: savoriness, color, texture, or that irresistible cheesy stretch. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.
- Ground Beef: The hearty base for that savory, classic taco flavor—lean or regular works, just drain excess fat as needed.
- Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, rounding out every bite with a hint of mellow tang.
- Taco Seasoning: Packs in the signature Tex-Mex flare with just one little packet—spicy, smoky, and a little zesty.
- Water: Helps the seasoning coat every crumb of beef and makes the filling perfectly saucy.
- Black Beans (canned, drained, rinsed): Adds creaminess and a nutritious boost; beans also keep the casserole from being too heavy.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings a pop of color and a gentle kick, making every bite lively.
- Frozen Corn (thawed): Adds sweetness and bright yellow pops; corn is the ultimate Tex-Mex partner.
- Flour or Corn Tortillas (6 small, halved or quartered): They hold it all together and offer pockets of soft, tender layers.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Because what’s a casserole without melty, bubbling cheese?
- Chopped Cilantro, Sour Cream, Jalapeños (optional): Your blank canvas for toppings—go mild or turn up the heat!
How to Make Taco Casserole with Tortillas
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick mist with nonstick spray or a light wipe of oil. This little step guarantees easy serving later (no casserole cling!), and the preheat means a fast, even bake.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet set over medium heat, drop in your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook them together, breaking up the meat as it browns, until everything is no longer pink and the onions have softened. For extra flavor, let your onions caramelize just a bit! Drain off any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy.
Step 3: Season It Up Taco-Style
Sprinkle in your taco seasoning packet along with the half cup of water. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for a couple minutes—just until the beef mixture thickens up and smells incredibly delicious. This is where the magic starts!
Step 4: Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Corn
Gently stir in the rinsed black beans, drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and thawed corn. Each addition ups the flavor, color, and heartiness of your filling. Mix until everything is evenly combined for the perfect bite in every forkful.
Step 5: Layer Tortillas, Meat Mixture, and Cheese
Grab your halved or quartered tortillas and layer three of them across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon half the beef-bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle on a generous cup of shredded cheese. Repeat: add the rest of the tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and finish with the last cup of cheese. Those layers will meld together into pure Tex-Mex bliss!
Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish snugly with foil and slide it into your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil (hello, crispy top!) and bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let your Taco Casserole with Tortillas rest for 5 minutes—this helps it set up so slices are neat and satisfying.
How to Serve Taco Casserole with Tortillas
Garnishes
Think of garnishes as your invitation to play—with Taco Casserole with Tortillas, a handful of fresh chopped cilantro wakes up each bite, while a dollop of sour cream brings creamy contrast. If you crave extra heat, toss on some fresh jalapeño slices, or maybe add diced avocado, shredded lettuce, or a squeeze of lime. The toppings are your chance to truly make it your own.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal all on its own, but pairing it with zesty favorites never hurts. Consider serving a cool, crunchy side salad, some Mexican rice, or a little bowl of chips and salsa. Pinto beans or tangy slaw also double down on the fiesta vibes and fill out the table for a full Tex-Mex experience.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to keep it basic—try serving individual squares of Taco Casserole with Tortillas on a bed of shredded lettuce for a “taco salad” twist. Or spoon it into taco shells for a double-taco sensation! Walking taco night, anyone? Serve the casserole over a mound of tortilla chips for an outrageous nacho plate, or pile on top of rice bowls for a fun, customizable spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Allow Taco Casserole with Tortillas to cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and still tastes fantastic reheated for lunch or a fuss-free dinner.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly, so make an extra one for another night or freeze leftovers for future you! Wrap tightly in foil and then plastic wrap, or use a good freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat Taco Casserole with Tortillas in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes or until piping hot. Single servings can go in the microwave, just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts. Top with fresh garnishes after reheating for that just-baked vibe!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or cooked shredded chicken are both delicious in place of beef, and make the casserole just a little lighter. Just follow the same cooking steps and you’re good to go.
Which tortillas are best: corn or flour?
That’s all about personal preference! Corn tortillas give a more rustic, classic flavor and are gluten-free, while flour tortillas yield a softer, chewier layer. Either works for Taco Casserole with Tortillas—pick your favorite!
Can I make Taco Casserole with Tortillas ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to customize the fillings?
Totally! Swap in refried pinto beans, add sautéed bell peppers, toss in some olives, or try a layer of salsa for a tangy twist. Taco Casserole with Tortillas is basically a blank canvas for your Tex-Mex cravings.
How do I keep the casserole from being soggy?
Draining the Rotel tomatoes well and not overdoing the water are key. Also, letting it cool for at least 5 minutes after baking will help the layers firm up for perfect slices.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family and make life easier, you’ve got to try Taco Casserole with Tortillas. It’s the feel-good, cheesy, totally customizable dinner that turns any night into a celebration. Gather your favorite toppings and dig in—because comfort food has never been this much fun!
Print
Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Casserole with Tortillas is a delicious and easy-to-make Tex-Mex dish that layers seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese between soft tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook beef mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in black beans, Rotel tomatoes, and corn.
- Layer: Place tortillas in the baking dish, add beef mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake additional 10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- For extra flavor, spread salsa or enchilada sauce over each tortilla layer.
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