Cheesy Taco Casserole

Like the Doritos Casserole, this is an easy dinner that can be on the table in under an hour. Plus the entire family will enjoy it. It's perfect for meal prep on taco night and can be made ahead of time. This cheesy taco bake is a great way to use up leftover taco meat or ground chicken!

Ingredients to make beefy taco casserole.

Ingredients you'll need

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Ground beef - you can also sub ground chicken or ground turkey for the beef.
Black beans or refried beans.
Packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning.
Rotel tomatoes with chilies.
Corn chips - Doritos, Fritos, Tostitos, or tortillas in a pinch.

Creative variations to try

Stretch this dish by adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers - you can use red or green peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms.

If you like your taco casserole extra spicy, add chili powder and a can of drained green chiles to the taco seasoning.

Instructions to make taco bake with print overlay.

Step-by-step instructions

This is a photo overview of the instructions. For the complete directions, just scroll down to the bottom!

Preheat the oven, prepare the casserole dish and set it aside.
Brown the ground beef, drain well.
Add the onions, beans and seasonings.
Spoon into the prepared casserole dish and evenly spread the rice over the top of the casserole.
Add the water, rotel, and corn. Seal well and bake.
Remove from the oven, top with chips and cheese. Bake until melted.

Essential tools for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

Can you make the taco meat ahead of time?

Yes, you can brown the beef up to 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge in an airtight container until ryou're eady to use.

Why can't I just add the chips before baking?

If you add the chips before baking it changes the texture and becomes a soggy layer. Wait until after the first bake to add the chips.

How do you moisten a dry casserole?

If your casserole is dry, you can add a little chicken or beef broth to moisten it up. You can also add a little milk if you like.

Should you cover a casserole when reheating?

If you are reheating the casserole in a microwave, you should cover it with a damp paper towel. If you are reheating it in an oven, you can leave it uncovered. It will recrisp the top of it.

How do you reheat a casserole without drying it out?

It's best to reheat casseroles in a 325 degree F oven until heated through. You can also add a little chicken or beef broth to moisten it up before reheating if needed.

Casserole dish filled with taco bake with two servings dished out on plates.

Deb's tips for the perfect dish

Don't have Rotel on hand? Use a can of diced tomatoes and a can of green chilies instead.

Top this cheesy casserole with your favorite taco toppings for a delicious taste.
If you use lean meat, add a small amount of olive oil to the pan to prevent the ground beef from sticking.

How to store leftovers

Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I think this casserole makes excellent leftovers because it tastes better the next day.

Freezer - You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat - To reheat this cheesy taco casserole, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the casserole on high for 4-5 minutes.

Serving of ground beef casserole on plate.

More taco casserole recipes

TexMex and Mexican food are some of the most popular recipes on the blog!

If you are looking for a cheesy taco pasta casserole that is filled with taco flavors, check out this Creamy Taco Spaghetti recipe.
Do you love Mexican food? Next time give these Taco Stuffed Shells a try.
This Tamale Pie with Jiffy Casserole with the crispy cornbread topping has all your favorites loaded into one easy meal!
If you love easy recipes on busy weeknights, then this Loaded Chicken Taco Casserole is just what you are looking for.

Still hungry for good eats? Check out these easy Chicken Taco Casserole Recipes - you're sure to find a new favorite!