Go Back
To make the Cheesy Taco Casserole, gather these key items: - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup taco sauce These ingredients blend well together. The meat adds protein, while beans and corn boost fiber. The spices and cheese bring out great flavors. You can also add these for extra flair: - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Jalapeños, for heat - Avocado, for creaminess - Black olives, for saltiness These optional items allow you to customize your dish. Add what you love most! Each serving of this casserole is packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition: - Calories: ~400 - Protein: ~25g - Carbohydrates: ~35g - Fat: ~20g - Fiber: ~6g This meal is filling and flavorful. With smart swaps, you can make it even healthier. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Stir it until it turns brown. Drain any fat from the skillet. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion is soft and clear, which takes about 3 minutes. Then, mix in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. This step helps blend all the flavors well. Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. This forms a crunchy base. Pour half of the beef mixture over the chips. Then, add half of the taco sauce. Next, take half of the sour cream and spread it on top. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over it. Repeat the layers. Place the remaining tortilla chips, beef mixture, taco sauce, and sour cream. Finally, top it with the rest of the cheese. This will create a cheesy, delicious topping. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. This helps everything heat through. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This step makes the cheese melt and turn golden. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the layers to set slightly. For a fresh touch, you can garnish it with cilantro if you like. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. To make the best Cheesy Taco Casserole, ensure your meat is cooked well. I like to drain any fat for a cleaner taste. Use fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes and crisp tortilla chips. The layers should be even for a good bake. Don't skip the sour cream; it adds a creamy touch. For a golden top, increase the baking time slightly. One mistake is overcooking the meat. It can make the casserole dry. Another issue is not draining canned ingredients well. Excess liquid can make your casserole soggy. Avoid using stale tortilla chips, as they can ruin the texture. Lastly, don’t skip the foil cover when baking. It helps the cheese melt evenly. To boost flavors, try adding chopped jalapeños for heat. Fresh cilantro on top gives a bright taste. You can also mix in some lime juice for zest. If you like smoky flavors, add chipotle in adobo sauce. For a richer taste, use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar. These small changes can turn a good casserole into a great one. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian cheesy taco casserole. Just swap out the meat for more beans or lentils. Use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for protein. Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for flavor and texture. This version keeps all the cheesy goodness while being meat-free and delicious. If you want to change the protein, you have options. Ground turkey is a great choice for a lighter meal. You can also use ground chicken or pork. For a more unique twist, try shredded beef or even chorizo for a spicy kick. Each protein gives a new taste to the casserole, making it fun to switch things up. To change the spice level, just adjust the taco seasoning. If you like it mild, use less seasoning or choose a mild blend. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or use a hot taco seasoning. You can also add chili powder or cayenne pepper to boost the heat. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate. With these variations, you can enjoy the cheesy taco casserole in many ways. Try them out and see which version you love most! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Then, cover it tightly. You can use plastic wrap or foil. Another option is to place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Reheating is simple. Take the casserole out of the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts to avoid hot spots. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. First, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy use. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps keep it fresh. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. For the best flavor, enjoy it sooner rather than later. You can find the full recipe above to make more! Yes, you can make Cheesy Taco Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This method saves time on busy nights. You can use several options instead of ground beef. Ground turkey is a lean choice. You can also try ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives. Each option brings its own flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment and find what you like best. To make Cheesy Taco Casserole gluten-free, choose gluten-free tortilla chips. Check the taco seasoning packet for any gluten ingredients. You can also make your own seasoning mix with spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. These steps ensure you enjoy a tasty dish without gluten. This blog post covered everything you need to know about making a Cheesy Taco Casserole. We talked about the key and optional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and how to get the most flavor. You learned useful tips, popular variations, and storage info to keep your meal fresh. With these insights, you’ll make a delicious dish everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Taco Casserole

Get ready to indulge in a delicious Cheesy Taco Casserole that will become a family favorite! This easy recipe combines ground beef or turkey, layers of tortilla chips, and plenty of melty cheese, all baked to perfection. It's a quick weeknight meal that's packed with flavor and sure to impress. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring the fun of tacos to your dinner table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 cup taco sauce

Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

      Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

        Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.

          In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.

            Pour half of the beef mixture over the chips, followed by half of the taco sauce.

              Spread half of the sour cream on top of the mixture, then sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese.

                Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla chips, beef mixture, taco sauce, sour cream, and top with the rest of the cheese.

                  Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

                    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                      Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6