Cheesy Taco Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Taco Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Its layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas make it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal fuss, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. With its tangy toppings and cheesy goodness, this casserole is sure to delight everyone at the table.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 10 small flour tortillas

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
5. Place 5 tortillas in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Layer half of the meat mixture on top of the tortillas, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and top with green onions, cilantro, sour cream, and salsa.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Casserole

Serve Cheesy Taco Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some tortilla chips. Allow your guests to customize their portions with additional toppings like jalapeños or guacamole for extra flavor. This dish is great for sharing and is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

How to Store Cheesy Taco Casserole

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.

Tips to Make Cheesy Taco Casserole

1. Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content in the dish.
2. Add more veggies such as bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition.
3. Customize your cheeses by trying pepper jack for a spicy kick.
4. If you prefer a crispier texture, bake a little longer or use a broiler for the last few minutes.

Variation

For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and other vegetables. You can also use lentils or quinoa as a meat alternative.

FAQs

Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make Cheesy Taco Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance and cover it. Store it in the fridge for a day before baking it.

What can I serve with Cheesy Taco Casserole?
This casserole goes well with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or even side dishes like guacamole and salsa for added flavor.

Cheesy Taco Casserole

A comforting and flavorful casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and soft tortillas, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Lean ground beef is recommended.
• 1 packet taco seasoning Use your favorite brand.
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans Drained and rinsed.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to customize with your favorite cheese.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 10 small flour tortillas

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Assembly

1. Place 5 tortillas in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Layer half of the meat mixture on top of the tortillas, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
3. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and top with green onions, cilantro, sour cream, and salsa.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with additional toppings like jalapeños or guacamole. To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.