Craving comfort food with a zesty twist? Look no further than the flavor, comfort, and simplicity of this tasty taco casserole. In this delicious fusion, we layer tortillas, seasoned meat, and ooey-gooey cheese to create a medley of flavor, taste, and texture.
We even walk you through all the various substitutions, additions, and omissions you can make to this recipe to make it your very own.
Whether you're a Micheline star chef or a culinary novice, this versatile recipe promises to deliver a fiesta on your plate and your palate. Follow these simple steps to create a Mexican ispired fiesta of your own.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it's an easy recipe to prepare, plus it is highly customizable, and the leftovers are just as tasty the next day.
Preparing this taco casserole is a breeze! A layer of tortillas, topped with seasoned meat, veggies, and cheese, baked until gooey and golden for a scrumptious meal that's easy to whip up anytime.
Additionally, you can personalize this taco casserole by choosing proteins like beef, turkey, or plant-based options. Veggies, cheeses, and seasonings are also up to you. From mild to fiery, traditional to inventive, this taco casserole very easily adapts to your taste and mood.
And when your mood is that you are not in the mood to cook, then this casserole will give you food for days, and the leftovers somehow taste better the next day. The flavors of your taco casserole will meld and deepen overnight, enhancing the flavors, leaving you with another delicious meal that you don't have to worry about preparing.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
Ground beef is a classic choice for taco casserole, delivering rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture. However, if you're looking to switch things up or cater to dietary preferences, there are plenty of acceptable substitutions, such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For some meat-free alternatives, you could go with a medley of beans, diced tofu, or even cauliflower crumble.
Mozzarella Cheese:
This recipe used mozzarella cheese because its high meltability, mild flavor, and gooey texture make it a crowd-pleaser. However, you can experiment with other cheese in this recipe, such as cheddar, Monterey jack, pepper jack, and even Colby. Get cheesy and have fun!
Seasonings:
You can further adjust this recipe to suit your taste preferences by experimenting with different seasonings as well. Smoked paprika will add a smoky depth and a touch of sweetness to your casserole, while cayenne pepper will amp up the heat for those who crave extra spiciness. Onion powder will enhance the savory base, and Mexican oregano will add an aromatic, earthy note that complements the dish.
Tortillas:
Tortillas play a pivotal role in your taco casserole, and the choice between flour and corn tortillas hinges on personal preference. Flour tortillas tend to be softer, while corn tortillas lend an authentic earthy flavor and tend to hold up well when layered.
While this recipe uses store-bought tortillas because they are more convenient, homemade tortillas are quite simple to make, and should you have the time to dedicate to making them, homemade tortillas will really take your taco casserole to the next level. Simply mix 2 cups flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder. Add 3 tablespoon oil and ¾ cup warm water. Knead, divide into balls, and roll into thin rounds. Cook on medium-hot skillet, 1 min each side.
Add-ons:
When it comes to crafting a flavor-packed taco casserole, your creativity is your biggest strength. You can mix in a variety of ingredients to infuse depth, flavor, and texture,
Feel free to experiment with adding a layer of rice, quinoa, or avocado to your casserole. You can even mix in a dollop of sour cream, use taco sauce or enchilada sauce in place of broth, or add some diced jalapenos to kick the heat up a notch. Even topping your taco casserole with some fresh green onions, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime can elevate each bite.
How to Make Taco Casserole
Step One:
Place a pot over medium-high heat. Once the pot is hot, add the oil, followed by the onions, peppers, and corn. Cook until the veggies have softened and the onion is opaque.
Step Two:
Add ground beef to the pan. Once the meat is browned, add chili flakes, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to incorporate.
Step Three:
Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, lemon juice, and cilantro, bring to a low boil, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step Four:
Place a layer of tortillas along the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
Step Five:
Top it with the ground beef mixture, followed by the shredded cheese.
Step Six:
Bake for 20 minutes at 357F.
Step Seven:
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and enjoy!
Tips
- Cover your casserole in aluminum foil for a more even cook before putting it in the oven. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top of your taco casserole.
- Ensure you rest your taco casserole before you cut into it. This will allow the casserole to solidify a little, enabling it to hold its shape easier when you do cut into it and serve it up.
What to Serve With Taco Casserole
When it comes to what you can serve alongside your delectable taco casserole, the possibilities are endless. Consider serving it with a creamy avocado salad with a zesty southwest dressing for a refreshing crunch or perhaps a helping of Mexican rice to complement the savory depth of the casserole. Some refried beans could add a comforting touch, while some simple guacamole and tortilla chips might be more than enough to complete this satisfying dish.
FAQs
Is it possible to make my taco casserole gluten-free? Vegan?
You can absolutely adapt your taco casserole to be both gluten-free and vegan. For a gluten-free version, simply opt for gluten-free or corn tortillas as your base. Double-check ingredient labels to ensure they're certified gluten-free. For a vegan twist, swap out the meat with plant-based protein like seasoned tofu, tempeh, or crumbled seitan. Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy goodness.
Can I add rice to my taco casserole for some extra substance?
Adding rice to your taco casserole is a fantastic idea for that extra heartiness. Just make sure to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole. Consider adding a bit more sauce or broth to ensure the rice stays moist and flavorful during baking
How long can taco casserole leftovers be stored?
Taco casserole leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for around 3 to 4 days, and frozen taco casserole can stay good for about 2 to 3 months. To reheat, use the microwave for a quick fix or the oven for a more even heat distribution.
More Casserole Recipes
Tired of the same old dinner routine? Spice things up with this collection of mouthwatering casserole recipes, guaranteed to bring a cozy twist to your meals!
Dorito Casserole With Ground Beef
Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup red onion finely diced
- ⅓ cup red bell peppers finely diced
- ⅓ cup corn
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cumin
- 1-2 teaspoons salt to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons black pepper to taste
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 14 ounces black beans
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 package tortillas
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Place a pot over medium-high heat. Once the pot is hot, add the oil, followed by the onions, peppers, and corn. Cook until the veggies have softened and the onion is opaque.
- Add ground beef to the pan. Once the meat is browned, add chili flakes, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to incorporate.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, lemon juice, and cilantro, bring to a low boil, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Place a layer of tortillas along the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
- Top it with the ground beef mixture, followed by the shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 357F.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Cover your casserole in aluminum foil for a more even cook before putting it in the oven. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top of your taco casserole.
- Ensure you rest your taco casserole before you cut into it. This will allow the casserole to solidify a little, enabling it to hold its shape easier when you do cut into it and serve it up.