Firecracker Casserole is for you if you're craving a super easy dinner that everyone in the house will enjoy! This creamy, zesty beef dish tastes like tacos or enchiladas—but without any fuss. Every bite of this quick meal explodes with satisfying, savory flavors.
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ Southwestern-style firecracker casserole is a full meal in one dish. It has protein, beans, and veggies, so you don't have to worry about sides.
✔️ This is one of those great recipes you can switch up according to what you have in your pantry, and it always turns out perfectly.
✔️ Good for freezing, and it's just as delicious the next day—leftovers have never tasted better!
Why this recipe works
This firecracker casserole recipe combines all of your favorite Mexican food flavors into one simple dish. The tortillas are layered inside, so they're soft, tender, and warm.
Plus, we use taco seasoning packets to give the ideal balance of zesty, slightly spicy, Tex-Mex flavor. You don't have to scramble through your spice cabinet searching for... oh, what's it called again?
Nope—this recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor! Love that!!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- lean ground beef
- yellow onion
- can of black beans
- taco seasoning packets
- flour tortillas
- water
- cream of mushroom soup
- Rotel tomatoes or diced tomatoes with green chilies
- shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is no longer pink; drain excess grease.
- Add the drained and rinsed beans, water, and taco seasoning packets. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the ground beef mixture to a greased 13x9-inch casserole dish. Place tortillas over the top.
- Combine soup and tomatoes; spoon over tortillas. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Equipment
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FAQ's
No, you don't have to cook the tortillas. Layer them on top of the beef, and the oven will cook them perfectly.
Simply set a timer and go about your merry way. Since we cook the beef beforehand, you only need to warm the casserole up so all the flavors blend together. When the timer goes off, you're good to eat!
Absolutely, that's a great way to get prep out of the way on busy days. Combine all the ingredients in the casserole dish and cover it tightly with foil.
It'll keep in the fridge for about a day. Pull it out to warm up while the oven preheats and cook as directed. (Don't put an ice-cold glass dish into a hot oven, or it can crack!)
Deb's tips
- Don't drain beef grease down your sink—it can clog. Rather, line a bowl with foil and pour it in. Let it cool, then wrap it and toss it in the trash.
- If you don't like to dice onions or need to save time, feel free to buy it pre-diced from the produce section. It's a tad pricier that way, though.
- Cut a few of the tortillas into halves, then position the straight, cut sides along the edges of your baking dish. This way, every inch of your delicious firecracker casserole will have a bite of tortilla in it.
- If the cheese gets too dark while baking, lightly cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil.
Variations
- Firecracker casserole tastes great with any type of ground meat. Try it with turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage to find what you like best.
- Corn tortillas will work if you don't like flour or need a gluten-free option.
- If you like spicy foods, feel free to add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapenos. You can also buy the spicy taco seasoning mix.
- Sometimes I'll toss in a can of corn (drained) for a little sweetness or add some chopped bell peppers if I have some fresh from the garden.
- Add a minced garlic clove if you want the extra garlicky flavor. It doesn't really need it, but if you love your garlic, don't let me stop you!
Storage
Refrigerate—Spoon the leftovers into an airtight container and enjoy within four days.
Freezer—Store the firecracker casserole in a freezer-safe container or heavy plastic baggie. It'll keep for about three months.
Reheat—Let frozen casserole thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat single portions in the microwave. You can also bake it in a 350-degree F oven, covered with foil, for about 10-20 minutes.
More ground beef casserole recipes
- The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a great make ahead dinner. It's a meaty, tasty meal.
- If you like potatoes and cheesy, be sure to try the Hobo Casserole. This is perfect for potlucks and Sunday supper.
- The Burrito Casserole is so simple and so good, it's great for back to school and busy weeknight meals.
Related recipes
- John Wayne Casserole is packed with Tex-Mex flavor and spicy ground beef layered over a buttery biscuit base. It doesn't get better than that.
- With only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious, hearty Queso Chicken Enchilada dinner. Everyone loves it!
- Taco Mac and Cheese is super easy to make. Plus, you only have to mention the magic words (mac and cheese) and the family will come running—forks ready.
Serve with
- Creamy Guacamole Dip is the perfect pairing for firecracker casserole. Serve it on the side with chips, or add a hefty dollop on top.
- Sweet pineapples and spicy jalapenos make the perfect marriage in this Easy Pineapple Salsa. Warning: this stuff is addicting!
- Don't forget something to drink—this Mexican Martini is unique enough to impress guests but simple enough to whip up on Taco Tuesday!
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If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Firecracker Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13 casserole dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 taco seasoning packets 2 one-ounce packets
- ½ cup water
- 4 flour tortillas 6 inches
- 10 ¾ ounces cream of mushroom soup undiluted
- 10 ounces Rotel or diced tomatoes and green chiles 10 ounces undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is no longer pink; drain excess grease.
- Add the drained and rinsed beans, water, and the taco seasoning packets. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the ground beef mixture to a greased 13x9-in. casserole dish. Place tortillas over the top.
- Combine soup and tomatoes; spoon over tortillas. Top with shredded cheese
- Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tammie P says
Delish !!! Used 1lb of ground beef and 1 lb of ground turkey , also used corn tortillas . I think I would put a few more tortillas in next time and a can of Mexi-Corn . But it was divine and easy just like the recipe is here Added a nice dollop of sour cream on top when served . Yummm 😋
Bowl Me Over says
Tammie that sounds fantastic! What yummy variations. Thanks so much for sharing and for coming back and commenting!!
Lois says
This looks really good, but we’re cutting down on red meat. Can I make this with ground chicken or ground turkey? If so do I need to make any other changes.
Bowl Me Over says
You can certainly substitute ground turkey or chicken! You could also add some hidden veggies like finely chopped bell pepper or zucchini. It will still be a great hearty meal. If you're just swapping out the ground beef, no additional changes need to be made. If you're adding additional veggies. Give the cooked chicken/turkey a taste to make sure it's flavorful enough. You may need to add additional some additional taco seasoning, but I don't think so. Just taste and adjust.
Donald Hammond says
Why anyone would use flour tortillas instead of corn is beyond my understanding. Flour tortillas absorb the moisture and soggy flour.tortillas are NOT good. Corn tortillas work so much better. TexMex .
Bowl Me Over says
By all means Donald, use flour tortillas on your Firecracker Casserole. Flour vs. Corn tortillas is always the great debate, LOL! Do what works best for you. And perhaps in the future why don't you try something first before rating it. Enjoy the recipe! Deb
Jen says
Hi! I want to try the Firecracker Casserole, but what can I use instead of the black beans?
Bowl Me Over says
Great question Jen - you can also use kidney beans or pinto beans, both would be delicious. Corn is a great substitute as well. If you'd like to add some veggies, add some diced zucchini, bell peppers or mushrooms. Add those to the ground beef while you're browning. If you do add more veggies you may need to add some additional seasoning as well. Just taste when the ground beef is browning and adjust accordingly. Enjoy!