Sizzling Taco Casserole With Tortillas Recipe: Fiesta in a Dish

Crafting a delightful taco casserole with tortillas can turn an ordinary dinner into a flavor-packed adventure.

Layers of seasoned meat, crispy tortillas, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Comfort meets excitement in this simple yet impressive dish.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a culinary journey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.

Quick preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this hearty recipe.

Dive in and make tonight’s dinner an unforgettable experience that brings smiles to the table.

Taco Casserole With Tortillas Full Of Flavor

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This taco casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for feeding hungry families or hosting casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings to match personal preferences, creating a versatile meal that satisfies different taste buds and dietary needs.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: Quick to assemble and bake, this one-pan wonder transforms standard taco ingredients into a delicious, comforting casserole without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, tortillas, and canned beans, this recipe provides a wallet-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients For Taco Casserole With Tortillas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of this taco casserole.
• Black Beans: A protein-rich legume that adds texture and nutrition to the dish.

• Corn Tortillas: Soft, authentic tortillas that create delicious layered stacks in the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, golden topping that binds the ingredients together.

• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that provides classic Mexican-inspired flavor to the meat mixture.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onions and provides a smooth base for cooking.
• Onion: Adds a savory and aromatic base to the beef mixture.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chilies that bring a zesty and slightly spicy element.
• Corn: A sweet vegetable that adds color and texture to the casserole.
• Salsa: Provides additional moisture and a tangy flavor profile to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro, Tomatoes, Avocado: Fresh toppings that add brightness, creaminess, and extra flavor to the finished casserole.

How To Prepare Taco Casserole With Tortillas

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius).

Step 2: Sizzle the Onions

Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium flame.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Taco seasoning
• Rotel tomatoes
• Black beans
• Corn
• Salsa

Let the mixture simmer and get cozy for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

Grab a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Spread out half of the tortillas as your base layer.

Step 6: Add the Meat Mixture

Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Cheese

Shower the first layer with half of the shredded cheese.

Step 8: Repeat the Layers

Create another identical layer with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.

Step 9: Bake and Cover

Wrap the dish in foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Step 10: Final Cheese Melt

Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Dress and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado

Tips To Perfect Taco Casserole With Tortillas

• Add a splash of lime juice to the beef mixture for a bright, zesty kick that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
• Use soft corn tortillas for a more authentic Mexican feel, or mix corn and flour tortillas for varied texture and flavor.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) or swap with ground turkey to reduce calories without sacrificing protein.
• Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the beef mixture for those who love extra heat.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.

Variations To Spice Up Taco Casserole With Tortillas

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms for a meat-free protein option.
• Chicken Swap Casserole: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Layer: Replace tortillas with thin zucchini slices to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Corn Tortilla Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions For Taco Casserole With Tortillas

• Fiesta Fresh Sides: Crisp, tangy green salad with lime vinaigrette provides a cool contrast to the warm casserole.
• Zesty Companion Dish: Mexican street corn (elote) as a vibrant side adds creamy, spicy flavor that complements the taco layers.
• Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Chilled margarita or fruity sangria cuts through the rich, cheesy casserole and enhances the meal's festive spirit.
• Cool Garnish Options: Fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream brighten the dish with extra texture and flavor.

Storage Tips For Taco Casserole With Tortillas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the taste.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Taco Casserole?

The key ingredients include ground beef, tortillas, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, salsa, and shredded cheese. These components create a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just assemble the layers, cover with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you use. If you prefer a milder version, choose a mild taco seasoning and use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.

Taco Casserole With Tortillas Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired taco casserole delights dinner tables with layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla edges. Comfort meets zest in this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Legumes:

• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup salsa

Dairy, Cheese, and Tortillas:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium flame until shimmering.
3. Sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic flavors.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until completely browned.
5. Drain any accumulated fat from the meat to ensure a lighter dish.
6. Incorporate taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and salsa into the skillet, blending thoroughly.
7. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, melding the flavors and creating a rich filling.
8. Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by lightly greasing the surface.
9. Create the first layer by arranging half of the tortillas across the bottom of the dish.
10. Spread an even layer of the prepared beef mixture over the tortillas.
11. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese to cover the beef layer completely.
12. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
13. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
14. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to heat through.
15. Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
16. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
17. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and optional toppings like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes to match personal spice preferences.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative that adds a more authentic Mexican texture to the casserole.
• Prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before baking to create a quick weeknight meal that saves precious cooking time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg