Cheesy Taco Casserole

As seen in: Family Dinner Ideas That Bring Everyone to the Table

This cheesy taco casserole flips the taco game by layering spiced beef, beans, salsa, and corn with crispy chips and oozy cheese. Baked until golden, it’s easy and quick. Add toppings like guac, sour cream, or diced tomatoes, and you’ve got a weekday hit. Perfect for kids and ready in under 45 minutes. Leftovers? They’re just as tasty!
iamcooker.com
Refreshed on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:26:49 GMT
A cheesy taco bake with a spoon in it. Save it
A cheesy taco bake with a spoon in it. | iamcooker.com

Jazz up your dinner routine with this crowd-favorite Mexican dish that combines seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and snappy tortilla chips in one filling meal. This go-to family dish packs all those tasty taco flavors into a simple serve-yourself format that works great for busy weeknights or laid-back get-togethers.

What makes this dish special is how it's built up in layers, with each part bringing its own taste and feel. The spiced meat forms a tasty foundation, while the broken chips give you that satisfying crunch in every spoonful.

Essential Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Go for 85% lean for better taste without too much fat
  • Tortilla Chips: Grab nacho cheese flavored ones for more taste punch
  • Black Beans: They bring extra protein and make it more filling
  • Mexican Cheese: Shred it yourself for smoother, more even melting
A mouthwatering Mexican meal topped with fresh tomatoes, black olives, and sliced avocado, presented in a white serving bowl. Save it
A mouthwatering Mexican meal topped with fresh tomatoes, black olives, and sliced avocado, presented in a white serving bowl. | iamcooker.com

Cooking Instructions

Making the Meat Mix:
Cook beef with onions in oil until no pink remains. Add your spices and drain off any extra fat. Your beef should taste good but not too strong.
Building the Middle:
Mix your meat with corn and beans. Stir in salsa and some of the cheese. It should be sticky but not soggy.
Putting it Together:
Start with a layer of broken chips at the bottom. Spread meat mixture on top. Finish with the rest of your cheese.

Baking Guide

Cook at 350°F until the cheese gets bubbly and melty while chips stay crunchy. Watch carefully in the last few minutes.

Fresh Additions

Put out small bowls with fresh stuff like chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream so everyone can add what they like.

Make-Ahead Options

You can fix the meat mixture a day early. Just wait to add the chips until right before you bake it so they don't get soggy.

Leftover Ideas

Turn what's left into stuffed burritos or toss it on greens for a quick taco salad that still tastes great.

Expert Advice

  • Tuck some chips around the dish edges for extra crunch
  • Make sure you drain the meat really well
  • Keep some extra chips handy for serving

This adaptable dish shows how everyday ingredients can create meals everyone remembers. It's great for regular family dinners or potluck parties, and it always leaves folks happy and brings the table together.

A tasty Mexican creation garnished with diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, and black olives, served in a white dish. Save it
A tasty Mexican creation garnished with diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, and black olives, served in a white dish. | iamcooker.com

Common Questions

→ How early can I prepare this dish?
You can cook up the beef ahead of time, but wait to add the chips and cheese until you’re ready to bake. Keeps them crisp!
→ What if I don’t have any Doritos at home?
No problem! Use plain tortilla chips or any other corn chips you have on hand.
→ Can I use something besides ground beef?
Of course! Try swapping it for ground turkey or chicken for a different spin.
→ What’s the best way to store extras?
Pop the leftovers in an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just expect the chips to soften a bit.
→ How can I make this vegetarian?
It’s easy—just skip the meat and add extra beans or veggies instead.

Flavorful Taco Casserole

A comforting mix of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and flavorful chips. Topped off with all your favorite taco garnishes. Great for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Preparation
10 Mins
Cooking Duration
30 Mins
Complete Duration
40 Mins
By: sofia


Complexity: Simple

Origin: American

Output: 8 Portions

Diet Types: No Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Base

01 1 tbsp olive oil
02 1/2 onion, chopped up
03 1 pound lean ground beef

→ Seasonings

04 1 tbsp chili powder
05 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 1/2 tsp cumin

→ Casserole Ingredients

07 1 can (12 oz) of drained sweet corn
08 1 jar (15.5 oz) of salsa
09 1 can (14 oz) of rinsed black beans
10 2 cups crushed nacho Doritos
11 2 cups shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese, split into two portions

→ Optional Toppings

12 Choose from: avocado, cilantro, sour cream, tomato pieces, lettuce, scallions, black olives

Preparation Steps

01 Step

Set your oven to 350°F and move the rack to the center spot.

02 Step

Heat up the oil in a big pan over medium-high. Cook the meat for about 5 minutes, stirring to break up the chunks. Toss in the onions and seasonings, let it go another 5 minutes.

03 Step

Spread out the crushed tortilla chips in the base of a 9x13 baking pan.

04 Step

Drain any fat from the cooked beef. Stir in the salsa, corn, black beans, and half the cheese. Once melted, layer it over the chips in the dish.

05 Step

Top it all off with the reserved cheese. Bake uncovered for around 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is gooey and bubbly. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.

Additional Tips

  1. Makes enough for about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion sizes.
  2. This dish is featured in 'Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials' cookbook.

Required Equipment

  • Skillet or large frying pan
  • 9x13 baking dish

Allergen Notice

Review ingredients for possible allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from the cheese.

Nutritional Information (Each Portion)

Consider these values as estimates rather than definitive health guidance.
  • Energy: 441
  • Fat Content: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein Content: 27 g