Taco Casserole with Tortilla Chips and Cheese

If you love tacos but crave something warm, melty, and comforting, this Taco Casserole with Tortilla Chips and Cheese is the perfect dish for you. It takes all the best parts of a taco — seasoned beef, beans, salsa, cheese, and crispy tortilla chips — and layers them together into a bubbly, cheesy baked casserole.

This dish delivers the irresistible flavors of a taco night with the ease of a one-pan meal. Each bite is packed with savory beef, creamy beans, melted cheese, and the crunch of tortilla chips — making it both satisfying and family-friendly.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a potluck crowd-pleaser, this recipe promises big flavor with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it combines everything I love about Mexican-inspired cuisine in one dish — crunch, creaminess, spice, and cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and easy to customize. You can make it mild for kids or spicy for adults, and it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients like chips, salsa, and beans.

Another reason I love it is its versatility — it can be prepped ahead, frozen for later, or transformed into next-day lunches. Plus, the combination of crunchy chips and gooey melted cheese makes every serving pure comfort food bliss.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s a one-dish meal — no need for sides or extra pans.
• The flavors are rich, zesty, and comforting — perfect for all ages.
• You can customize it with your favorite taco toppings.
• Great for meal prep, parties, or family dinners.
• It turns simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving

Cuisine

Mexican / Tex-Mex

Course

Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

For the Casserole Layers:

• 3 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook and season the ground beef mixture.
2. Layer crushed tortilla chips, meat, and cheese in a baking dish.
3. Bake until bubbly and golden.
4. Garnish and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned (5–6 minutes).
• Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in taco seasoning and salt.
• Add beans, corn, salsa, and diced tomatoes. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips.
• Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
• Add the remaining tortilla chips and top with the rest of the cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

• Place the dish in the preheated oven.
• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• For a crispy golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (optional).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Top with chopped green onions, cilantro, and dollops of sour cream.
• Slice and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious Taco Casserole hot, straight from the oven! It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with:

• A side of guacamole, salsa, or Mexican rice
• A fresh green salad with lime dressing
• Extra tortilla chips for dipping
• A squeeze of lime juice for added freshness

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even taco night with a twist!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use lean beef (90/10) to avoid excess grease.
• For extra creaminess, stir ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the beef mixture.
• Don’t overbake — it’s best when the chips are crisp, not soggy.
• Add pickled jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy version.
• Let it cool slightly before cutting for cleaner slices.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Taco Casserole: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken.
2. Vegetarian Taco Casserole: Skip the meat; use extra beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers.
3. Loaded Taco Casserole: Add black olives, bell peppers, and jalapeños for more texture.
4. Low-Carb Version: Replace chips with cauliflower florets or low-carb tortillas.
5. Breakfast Taco Casserole: Add scrambled eggs, chorizo, and breakfast cheese mix.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Freezing:

• Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it.
• Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Reheating Tip:

• For crispy chips, reheat uncovered in the oven or air fryer. Avoid microwaving too long as it softens the chips.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven and broiler
• Aluminum foil (for covering or storing)

Conclusion

This Taco Casserole with Tortilla Chips and Cheese is everything you love about tacos — but even more comforting. It’s hearty, cheesy, and layered with bold Tex-Mex flavors that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy weekends, it’s a dish that turns everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. The crispy tortilla chips, flavorful beef, and gooey cheese make it truly irresistible — a meal you’ll want to make again and again.