If you're looking for an easy weeknight meal that is both delicious and satisfying, look no further than this Cheesy Taco Casserole! This dish is simple to make and can be tailored to your liking by using your favorite taco toppings.
So why not give it a try tonight? Your family will love it!
Next time try the Burrito Casserole or the Tamale Pie with Jiffy!
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ 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.
✔️ This cheesy taco bake is a great way to use up leftover taco meat or ground chicken.
✔️ It's perfect for meal prep on taco night and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
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.
- yellow onion
- Black beans or refried beans.
- packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
- white rice
- frozen corn
- Rotel tomatoes with chilies
- corn chips - Doritos, Fritos, Tostitos, or tortillas in a pinch.
- shredded cheese
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 tacos extra spicy, add chili powder and a can of drained green chiles to the taco seasoning.
Instructions
This is a photo overview of the instructions. For the complete directions, just scroll down to the bottom!
Equipment
- large skillet
- casserole dish
- aluminum foil
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FAQ's
Yes, you can brown the beef up to 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to use.
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.
The typical baking temperature for a casserole is 350-375 degrees F.
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'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.
Top Tip
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 sticking.
Storage
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.
Great casseroles recipes
- The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a great make ahead dinner. It's a meaty, tasty meal.
- The Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a super fun, kid-friendly casserole that's always a hit!
- You’ll love Chicken Spaghetti Recipe - the creamy sauce is the BEST!
- If you like potatoes and cheesy, be sure to try the Hobo Casserole. This is perfect for potlucks and Sunday supper.
- Classic Tuna Casserole Recipe - comfort food at it’s best!
More Mexican food 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.
- Learn how to make the best ground beef taco meat here!
- 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!
Serve with
- Mexican Cole Slaw is a family favorite side dish to serve with this comforting casserole. Plus, it's full of tangy fresh flavor.
- If you are looking for a healthy side that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than this Southwest Salad recipe.
- This Mexican Fruit Salad is the perfect blend of sweet and savory and pairs so well with this delicious taco casserole.
Still looking for ideas? I gotcha! Here are 60+ recipes if you're wondering what to serve with taco casserole!
Me, I love the cheesy, crispy topping on this casserole! What about you, what's your favorite part? Leave a comment below!
Cheesy Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 14.5 oz black beans drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup white rice
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup frozen corn can substitute drained canned corn.
- 1 14.5 rotel tomatoes with chilies
- 1 ½ cup corn chips Doritos, Fritos Tostitos - just use your favorite corn chip!
- 1 ½ cups shredded chedar cheese
- ** Optional Toppings - salsa, sour cream, jalapenos, minced cilantro, chopped tomatoes, olives **
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare 9x13 casserole dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat - brown the ground beef, drain.
- Add the onions and drained black beans. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and mix together well.
- Top with the rice. Add the water, drained corn and canned tomatoes. Mix to combine. Pour into prepared casserole dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the cover and sprinkle with chips, top with cheese. Cover until the cheese melts or place under broiler for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve topped with your favorite toppings! Salsa, sour cream, jalapenos, minced cilantro, chopped tomatoes or olives!
Camden says
I think this cheesy taco casserole would be awesome to make at the beginning of the week. I love getting to warm up casseroles as quick meals when I'm busy, and this one will be perfect for this week!
Debra Clark says
Enjoy, I'm glad it made the weekly rotation!
Sharon says
This taco beef casserole is easy, cheesy, and a total crowd pleaser. I am thinking about trying it with ground turkey instead next time.
Debra Clark says
Perfect, ground turkey is a great substitution - enjoy!
Debbie says
This cheesy taco casserole is truly a lifesaver on busy nights. The kids really love helping put it together too.
Debra Clark says
That's awesome Debbie and the kids like'd it, that's high praise!
Alyssa says
Tacos is always one of my go to dinners during the week. This cheesy taco casserole will be a great way to switch it up, and I usually have most of these items on hand!
Holly says
Cheesy taco casserole seems like a fun (and easy!) way to switch up Taco Tuesday! Could I substitute a different type of meat, or add another type of beans?
Debra Clark says
Absolutely, you can sub the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. That would be delicious!
Sam says
I'm wondering if I could substitute the meat in this taco beef casserole for extra beans? I'm trying to make more meatless meals this year and this looks like a recipe my family is sure to love!
Bowl Me Over says
Yes, you can absolutely substitute with extra beans. Black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans would be terrific. Enjoy the casserole recipe!
Brittany says
This cheesy taco casserole looks amazing! I have to omit the tomatoes though, so I'm wondering if I should add a touch more water or some broth?
Bowl Me Over says
Yes, I would add a full cup of water, but another option would be to swap the canned tomatoes with cream-style corn. That would give you more flavor than plain water. Let me know which you try! Enjoy the casserole!!
Kristen says
I love that this taco beef casserole is a neater and easier way to essentially transport tacos to a party, haha! Brilliant idea!
Bowl Me Over says
And the cheese, don't forget the cheese! 😋 Happy Taco Party, Kristen!!
One Crazy House says
Your cheesy taco casserole looks so tasty! Can I eliminate the tortilla chips in an attempt to cut down on carbs? I love that this is a slightly healthier way to enjoy tacos!
Bowl Me Over says
Absolutely, that would be an option and it will still be plenty tasty!
Lois says
We love this taco casserole it so good. Love the flavors and how easy it is to make.
Kristal says
Do you cook the rice first?
Bowl Me Over says
No, this recipe uses uncooked rice.
Alain H Leblond says
HOW LONG DO YOU PUT IT IN THE OVEN FOR AND AT WHAT TEMP???
Bowl Me Over says
My apologies Alain, I just updated the recipe card and instructions. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.