Easy Taco Casserole Recipe

This easy taco casserole recipe is the perfect easy comfort food for busy nights since this easy recipe combines the convenience of a casserole with the boldness of taco ingredients, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or impressing guests at a potluck, this casserole is sure to steal the spotlight. Try it today and take your taco night to a whole new level!

Why You’ll Love This Simple Taco Casserole

Let the kids get creative with this recipe and use Doritos instead of tortilla chips or add in some guacamole for a unique twist. It’s so easy to customize and kids will love being able to add their own flavors to this easy-to-make recipe.

My daughter created this recipe and I couldn’t be more proud since this is a tasty recipe that makes taco night easy and fun again. Since this recipe is so customizable, everyone can pile on their favorite toppings. Try adding extra cheese, black beans, salsa, black olives, or your favorite traditional taco toppings.

Ingredients

This ingredients list is to explain how each ingredient adds a specific flavor to this dish, for measurements and instructions scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete recipe.

Ground Beef provides a hearty and savory base, infusing the casserole with rich flavor.

Taco Seasoning elevates the beef with a perfect blend of spices, creating that classic taco taste.

The water mixes with the taco seasoning to coat the ground beef, ensuring a flavorful and well-seasoned filling.

Sour Cream adds a creamy and tangy element that balances the bold flavors, creating a luscious texture.

Roma Tomatoes contribute freshness and a burst of juicy sweetness, enhancing the overall vibrancy of the casserole.

The cheese melts to perfection, creating a gooey and indulgent layer that binds the casserole together.

Salsa infuses the dish with a zesty kick, providing a burst of acidity and complexity. If you want to make your own salsa, try this blender salsa recipe.

Tortilla Chips form the base of the casserole, adding a satisfying crunch and absorbing the flavorful juices.

Refried Beans create a hearty and creamy layer, complementing the meat and adding substance to each bite.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the layers of flavor, texture, and satisfaction that make the Ultimate Loaded Taco Casserole a standout dish.

How to Make Taco Casserole

This is an overview of how to make this easy taco casserole recipe, for the full recipe with measurements and ingredients check the recipe card below.

Step 1: Prepare the Savory Ground Beef Mixture

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.

Add in the taco seasoning and water, ensuring a thorough mix.

Cook until the ground beef is well-coated and the flavors meld together. Set aside.

Step 2: Layering the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

In a casserole dish, create the first layer by placing a generous amount of tortilla chips at the bottom.

Spread an even layer of refried beans over the chips, creating a hearty foundation.

Add the seasoned ground beef as the next layer, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 3: Adding Creamy and Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle a generous layer of your favorite shredded cheese over the ground beef.

Dollop sour cream strategically over the cheese, adding a creamy texture to each bite.

Scatter-diced Roma tomatoes across the top, enhancing freshness and color.

Step 3: The Finishing Touch

Pour the jar of salsa over the entire casserole, allowing the vibrant flavors to infuse the dish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and the casserole is heated through.

Substitutons & Variations

Instead of tortilla chips use Doritos or Fritos for an extra burst of flavor. Add in more vegetables before baking like bell peppers and hot peppers, or top the finished casserole with lettuce, cilantro or chopped green chiles.

Swap out the refried beans with your preferred bean, choose pinto beans or black beans for a different flavor.

Use a different meat such as chicken, sausage, venison, or steak in place of ground beef.

Add this easy homemade Pico De Gallo for an extra burst of garden fresh flavor.

Leftovers and Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the oven for best results. Keep in mind that the tortilla chips will get soggy when stored so it is best to eat this dish fresh.

More Easy Recipes The Whole Family Will Love

If you love taco casserole but are following a low-carb diet, this Low Carb Taco Casserole Recipe will hit the spot. For a quick appetizer to serve with this meal, you will love this cheesy 5-minute bean dip recipe or this chunky garden salsa.

For an extra spicy topping, try this tomatillo salsa recipe, it’s a family favorite that we serve with all of our Mexican dishes.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make this easy taco casserole. If you have tried this recipe out, let me know in the comments what you think!

Also, be sure to share it on social media so everyone can give it a try!