Beef Taco Casserole with Cheddar Cheese is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the bold, savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with the comfort of a cheesy casserole. Layers of seasoned beef, tortillas or tortilla chips, beans, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese come together to create a satisfying, family-friendly meal. This casserole captures all the flavors of classic tacos in a convenient, one-dish format, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy the essence of tacos without the hassle of assembling individual servings. The combination of ground beef, spices, beans, and cheese delivers a comforting and well-balanced flavor profile. It’s filling, delicious, and easily customizable to suit your family’s preferences.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The seasoned beef and beans form a rich, savory base, while the cheddar cheese adds a creamy, melty topping that pulls everything together. The dish is easy to prepare, can feed a crowd, and offers the familiar flavors of tacos in a casserole form.
It’s also a practical recipe for busy nights. You can make it ahead of time, freeze portions for later, or customize the ingredients to match what you have on hand. The combination of textures—creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and tender—makes it a satisfying comfort food.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Beef Taco Casserole with Cheddar Cheese is a must-try because it’s flavorful, hearty, and perfect for taco lovers. It’s easier to prepare than traditional tacos, requires fewer dishes, and still delivers all the classic flavors you love. The dish is great for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or serving as a casual dinner that will please adults and kids alike.
It’s a perfect balance of seasoned beef, hearty beans, tangy salsa, and gooey cheddar, creating a casserole that is both comforting and indulgent.
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (optional)
½ cup salsa
For the Casserole
6–8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into pieces or 3 cups tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro for serving
Cooking Directions Overview
- Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, and spices.
- Stir in beans, corn, and salsa.
- Layer tortillas or chips, beef mixture, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add diced onion and garlic, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add black beans, corn, and salsa, mixing until well combined. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread a small layer of beef mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla pieces or chips, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers until all beef mixture and tortillas are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the casserole to cool slightly. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
How to Serve
Serve the beef taco casserole in individual portions, topped with your favorite Mexican-style garnishes such as sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro. Pair with Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Tips
Use fresh salsa for the best flavor, or substitute with your favorite jarred salsa. Slightly warm the tortillas before layering to prevent them from becoming soggy. Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Variations
Chicken Version: Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken.
Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with extra beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables.
Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Cheese Variations: Use pepper Jack, Mexican blend, or queso fresco for different flavors.
Taco Salad Casserole: Use crushed tortilla chips instead of tortillas for a layered taco salad feel.
Freezing and Storage Time
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole without baking and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Special Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Conclusion
Beef Taco Casserole with Cheddar Cheese is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make Tex-Mex dish that captures all the flavors of classic tacos in a convenient, layered casserole. With its hearty layers of seasoned beef, beans, tortillas, and melted cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Customizable, flavorful, and satisfying, this casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves the bold taste and comfort of Mexican cuisine.
Beef Taco Casserole with Cheddar Cheese
Description
Beef Taco Casserole with Cheddar Cheese is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the bold, savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with the comfort of a cheesy casserole. Layers of seasoned beef, tortillas or tortilla chips, beans, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese come together to create a satisfying, family-friendly meal. This casserole captures all the flavors of classic tacos in a convenient, one-dish format, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
For the Casserole
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture : Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add diced onion and garlic, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add black beans, corn, and salsa, mixing until well combined. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
-
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole : Spread a small layer of beef mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla pieces or chips, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers until all beef mixture and tortillas are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
-
Step 4: Bake the Casserole : Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Step 5: Serve : Allow the casserole to cool slightly. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
