Savory Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe – Fiesta in a Dish

Whipping up a hearty taco casserole with tortillas can turn an ordinary dinner into a fiesta of flavors.

Layers of seasoned meat, crisp vegetables, and melted cheese promise a mouthwatering experience.

Comfort food meets Mexican-inspired cuisine in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Families and friends will devour every delicious bite of this easy-to-make meal.

Spices dance across your palate, creating a symphonic blend of textures and tastes.

Each forkful brings a burst of zesty goodness that makes you want to celebrate.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible casserole that brings warmth and excitement to the table.

Taco Casserole With Tortillas Is Always A Hit

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this taco casserole in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner without complex cooking steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines classic taco ingredients in a comforting casserole format that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, zesty profile.
• Versatile and Customizable Dish: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein, and adjust toppings to suit different taste preferences.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Uses just one skillet and a baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze for home cooks.

What Goes In Taco Casserole With Tortillas

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty base that provides protein and depth of flavor for the casserole.
• Taco Seasoning: Classic blend that adds authentic Mexican-style spices and warmth to the meat.

• Black Beans: Creamy protein source that adds texture and nutrition.
• Salsa: Tangy sauce that provides moisture and zesty flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh component that brings moisture and bright taste.
• Sliced Black Olives: Salty, optional ingredient that enhances Mediterranean-style flavor profile.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, herbal notes and traditional Mexican touch.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, creamy texture.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican base that provides structure and authentic corn flavor.

• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy topping that balances spicy flavors.
• Avocado: Smooth, rich garnish that adds creamy texture and healthy fat.

Taco Casserole With Tortillas Walkthrough

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for a flavor-packed adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, cooking until it transforms into a rich, golden brown.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice Up the Meat

Sprinkle in zesty taco seasoning and splash in some water.

Let the mixture simmer and mingle for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance together.

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Spread out a cozy blanket of tortillas across the bottom of your baking dish.

• Seasoned beef
• Black beans
• Salsa
• Shredded cheese

Step 5: Build the Flavor Fortress

Repeat the layering process, creating a delicious tower of goodness.

Finish with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Dress Up Your Masterpiece

• Diced tomatoes
• Black olives
• Fresh cilantro
• Creamy sour cream
• Sliced avocado

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Key Steps That Make Taco Casserole Bold And Crunchy

• Pat tortillas dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and keep the casserole's texture crisp and firm.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning and salsa based on your family's taste preferences.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting and serving easier.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient weeknight dinner.

Save Taco Casserole with Tortillas Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining its delicious taste and texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, restoring its original crispy edges and melted cheese.
• For quick reheating, use microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent soggy spots.

Taco Casserole With Tortillas Companions

• Enhance Flavor Fusion: Pair this hearty taco casserole with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial to cut through the rich, spicy layers and refresh your palate.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve a bright, tangy lime-jalapeño coleslaw alongside the casserole to add crunch and balance the warm, cheesy dish with a cool, spicy contrast.
• Cool Down Companion: Add a refreshing cucumber-mint agua fresca to complement the bold flavors, providing a light and hydrating drink that cools down the spicy elements.
• Creamy Contrast Boost: Top with extra-smooth guacamole as a creamy, fresh accompaniment that adds richness and brings out the vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors of the casserole.

Tortilla Taco Casserole Flavor Upgrades

• Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced jackfruit. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add extra spices for depth.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas. Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free salsa.
• Low-Carb Mexican Bake: Substitute tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower layers. Reduce beans and add more protein-rich ingredients like shredded chicken.
• Dairy-Free Zest: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. Replace sour cream with cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt alternative.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just cook it the same way and follow the recipe as written.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa. Choose mild ingredients if you prefer less heat, or use hot versions for more kick.

• Do I need fresh tortillas?

Corn or flour tortillas work well. Both store-bought and slightly older tortillas are fine, just ensure they’re not stale or moldy.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Taco Casserole With Tortillas Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican Taco Casserole brings layers of zesty flavors and comforting textures to dinner tables. Cheesy, spicy goodness combines ground beef, tortillas, and bold seasonings for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 6 small corn tortillas (cut into strips)
• 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Avocado

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, preparing a baking dish for the layered casserole.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cooking until the meat is evenly browned and no pink remains.
3. Remove excess fat from the skillet, then incorporate taco seasoning and a small amount of water, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors.
4. Create the first foundation layer in the baking dish by arranging tortillas to completely cover the bottom surface.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture across the tortilla base, ensuring even coverage.
6. Sprinkle black beans over the beef layer, followed by a generous spread of salsa to add moisture and zest.
7. Generously scatter cheese across the current layer, melting and binding the ingredients together.
8. Construct a second identical layer, repeating the tortilla, beef, beans, salsa, and cheese sequence.
9. Top the final layer with an additional blanket of cheese for maximum golden, crispy coverage.
10. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese becomes fully melted and develops a bubbly, slightly crisp texture.
11. Remove from oven and embellish with fresh garnishes: diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and creamy avocado slices.
12. Serve immediately while the casserole remains hot and the cheese is still gooey.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning to match your preference.
• Replace ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative that adds extra authentic Mexican flavor.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to quickly assemble the casserole during busy weeknights, saving valuable cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg