Easy Cheesy Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe: Family Favorite

Crafting a mouthwatering taco casserole with tortillas brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of spicy meat, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla edges promise a delightful meal.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet satisfying.

Packed with zesty flavors, this dish combines traditional Mexican-inspired ingredients in one easy baking pan.

Simple ingredients merge into a crowd-pleasing creation that everyone will devour.

Families and friends gather around, eager to scoop up these delectable bites.

You’ll want to make extra – trust me on this one.

Variations for Taco Casserole with Tortillas

• Vegetarian Taco Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for a meat-free version that's packed with protein.
• Chicken Taco Bake: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option that still delivers big flavor.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta Casserole: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat and create a zingier flavor profile for spice lovers.

Presentation Ideas for Taco Casserole

• Party Platter Presentation: Slice the casserole into neat squares and arrange on a large wooden board with extra toppings scattered around for a festive, colorful display that invites guests to dig in.
• Fiesta Night Feast: Serve alongside Mexican rice, guacamole, and crisp green salad to create a complete meal that brings vibrant flavors and textures to the dinner table.
• Quick Lunch Combo: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with a small side of salsa and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an easy, delicious midday meal that reheats perfectly.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve as a hearty appetizer during sports watching parties, providing a crowd-friendly dish that's easy to eat and full of zesty flavor.

Storing Taco Casserole with Tortillas

• Refrigerate leftover taco casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other food odors.
• Place in a sealed container with a secure lid to maintain quality and prevent contamination.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this taco casserole recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid after cooking.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. For a milder version, use mild salsa and reduced-sodium taco seasoning. For more heat, choose medium or hot options.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Taco Casserole with Tortillas, Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

• Satisfy Hunger Quickly: This taco casserole delivers a complete meal in one dish, packed with protein, vegetables, and bold flavors that'll keep everyone full and happy.
• Build Layers of Deliciousness: Creating multiple layers ensures every bite contains a perfect combination of tortillas, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and zesty salsa.
• Customize with Ease: Top the casserole with favorite garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, or black olives to make the recipe uniquely yours and please different taste preferences.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Using just one skillet and a baking dish means less washing up, making this a smart choice for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Taco Casserole with Tortillas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of the taco casserole.

• Corn Tortillas: Soft tortillas that create layers and add a traditional Mexican texture to the dish.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide additional flavor and texture to the casserole.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired taste.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legumes that add depth and nutrition to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes that contribute moisture and bright flavor to the mixture.
• Salsa: A zesty sauce that adds extra kick and moisture to the layers.

• Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden, gooey layer over the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Optional creamy topping that adds richness and tang.

• Cilantro, Black Olives: Fresh herbs and salty olives that provide additional flavor and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the ground beef and preventing sticking.

How to Assemble Taco Casserole with Tortillas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking up the meat as it sizzles. Drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Beef Mix

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Corn

Cook everything together for 3-4 minutes until the flavors mingle and dance.

Step 4: Build First Casserole Layer

Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread out half of the tortilla pieces as your first foundation layer. Top with half of the beef mixture.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Salsa Goodness

Sprinkle half of the salsa and cheese over the beef layer, creating a mouth-watering blanket of flavor.

Step 6: Repeat Layering Magic

• Tortilla pieces
• Beef mixture
• Salsa
• Cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Send the casserole into the oven for 20-25 minutes.

Wait until the cheese transforms into a melted, bubbly wonderland.

Step 8: Rest and Settle

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Step 9: Dress Up Your Dish

• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced black olives

Serve and enjoy your taco casserole feast!

Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Taco Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option.
• Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for added flavor complexity.
• Allow casserole to cool slightly before serving to help layers set and make cutting easier.
• Prepare extra salsa or add fresh chopped tomatoes on top for a bright, fresh finish that enhances the overall taste.

Easy Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Taco Casserole brings layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortillas together in one comforting dish. Hearty ingredients combine for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Produce and Aromatics:

• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Canned and Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 170 grams) corn kernels
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 250 grams) salsa
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 2 cups (480 milliliters / 226 grams) shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 227 grams) sour cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters / 40 grams) sliced black olives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking.
2. Sizzle olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then introduce ground beef and crumble while cooking until thoroughly browned. Eliminate excess grease.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn into the meat, stirring and simmering for 3-4 minutes until ingredients meld together.
4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and create the first foundation layer using half of the tortilla pieces, followed by spreading half of the seasoned beef mixture.
5. Distribute half the salsa evenly across the beef layer, then sprinkle a generous layer of cheese.
6. Construct a second identical layer with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, salsa, and cheese, creating a hearty casserole structure.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket.
8. Extract from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.
9. Enhance the dish with optional garnishes like creamy sour cream, fresh cilantro, and briny black olives before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat and calories.
• Use whole wheat or corn tortillas to increase fiber content and create a gluten-free version of the casserole.
• Layer ingredients carefully to ensure even distribution of flavors and prevent soggy tortilla bottoms by lightly toasting tortilla pieces before assembling.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole quickly for a convenient weeknight meal that can be refrigerated and baked later.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg