Cheesy Taco Casserole

Cheesy Taco Casserole

A delicious, family-friendly Mexican-inspired casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado, and your favorite taco toppings. It's an easy weeknight dinner that's packed with flavor!

🕒 Prep Time

15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time

25 minutes

⏱️ Total Time

40 minutes

🍽️ Servings

6–8 servings

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 cup salsa

• ½ cup water

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

For the Casserole

• 4 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

For Topping

• 1 avocado, diced

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 green onions, sliced

• ½ cup diced tomatoes

• Jalapeños, optional

• Salsa, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until browned. Drain excess grease.

Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

2. Season the Mixture

Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and water. Add the black beans and mix well.

Simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.

3. Layer the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips across the bottom. Spoon half of the seasoned beef mixture over the chips.

Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Repeat with another layer of tortilla chips, beef mixture, and remaining cheese.

4. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

5. Add the Fresh Toppings

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes.

Top with diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and green onions. Add jalapeños if you like a little extra heat.

6. Serve

Scoop into bowls and serve warm with extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side.

💡 Recipe Tips

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a spicy taco seasoning.

• Add more vegetables: Corn, bell peppers, or black olives are delicious additions.

• Make it extra cheesy: Add another ½ cup of shredded cheese before baking.

• For leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

This taco casserole brings together crispy tortilla chips, savory seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and fresh toppings in one easy dish. It's perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, and game-day gatherings.

Hashtags

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