If your family never says no to taco night, this Cheesy Taco Casserole is about to become a regular on the dinner menu! Layers of seasoned beef, beans, melty cheese, and crunchy corn chips come together in one easy casserole that's loaded with classic taco flavor.
It's simple enough for busy weeknights, easy to make ahead, and even better topped with all your favorite taco fixings.
Why you'll love this cheesy taco casserole
- Ready in about 45 minutes.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Uses pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients.
- Easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings.
- Kid-approved and freezer friendly.
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!
Notes
Nutrition
Love this recipe? Join the free membership group!
Ingredients you'll need
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card.
Taco seasoning - A store-bought packet keeps this recipe quick and easy, but if you have a few extra minutes, my Homemade Taco Seasoning adds even more fresh flavor and lets you control the spice level.
Creative variations to try
This cheesy taco casserole is easy to customize with whatever you have on hand. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken, or stretch the filling with diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or a cup of frozen corn. Black beans can easily be replaced with pinto or refried beans for a creamier texture.
If your family enjoys a little heat, stir in a can of diced green chiles, use Pepper Jack cheese, or add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne.
Step-by-step instructions
This is a photo overview of the instructions. For the complete directions, check the recipe card.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to one day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the chips just before baking so they stay crisp.
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.
Fritos, Doritos, tortilla chips, or even crushed tortilla strips all work well.
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
After baking, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the melted cheese and filling time to set, making it much easier to slice and serve while keeping all those delicious layers together.
More taco casserole recipes
If your family can't get enough taco night, I've got plenty more recipes to keep dinner exciting! Creamy Taco Spaghetti is loaded with cheesy taco flavor and tender pasta, while Taco Stuffed Shells put a fun twist on a family favorite. My Tamale Pie with Jiffy Cornbread Casserole bakes up with a golden cornbread topping that's always a hit.
And if casseroles are your go-to for busy weeknights, be sure to browse all of my Chicken Taco Casserole recipes-you just might discover your family's next favorite dinner!
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
Turn this cheesy taco casserole into a complete meal with a crisp green salad, tortilla chips and salsa, Mexican rice, or a scoop of guacamole and sour cream on the side. It's also delicious with fresh fruit for an easy weeknight dinner or a simple dessert to finish things off. If you're looking for even more inspiration, I've rounded up 60+ ideas for what to serve with taco casserole, with everything from fresh salads and vegetables to breads, rice dishes, and desserts to complete your meal.
Make taco night even better
This cheesy taco casserole is one of those dinners that always earns a spot in the regular rotation. It's easy to make, easy to customize, and even better loaded with your family's favorite taco toppings.
Whether you keep it simple or pile on the extras, it's a meal that's sure to disappear fast. If you give it a try, I'd love to hear what your family thinks, or tell me your favorite topping in the comments below! 🌮
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.