Ultimate Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Who doesn’t crave the comforting warmth of a casserole? Our taco casserole, a harmonious blend of Tex-Mex flavors, brings the festive taste of Mexican cuisine straight to your kitchen table. It’s an easy, satisfying dish overflowing with flavor which is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re tasked with feeding a crowd.

The rich history of Tex-Mex cuisine began in the 1800s in the Rio Grande region, where Spanish settlers and local home cooking traditions blended. To learn more about the unique characteristics of this culinary tradition, explore this guide to Tex-Mex cuisine: its history, ingredients, and distinct characteristics.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Casserole

• With a prep time under 30 minutes, it’s quick and simple to make.
• This versatile dish is a family favorite meal idea that’ll please everyone.
• The recipe can be adapted to fit different dietary needs or preferences.
• It’s packed with rich, delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
• It’s an ideal choice for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

For our taco casserole, you’ll need:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 15 oz can corn (drained)
• 1 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with diced green chilies
• 2 cups shredded cheese (we suggest a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 3 cups Doritos, lightly crushed

For garnishing:

• Lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, green onions

Notes & Substitutions

Our taco casserole is adaptable! You can customize it according to your taste or dietary requirements:

• Swap out ground beef for leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken.
• Try using flavored tortilla chips or Fritos in place of Doritos.
• Opt for a different cheese blend or go dairy-free with a vegan cheese substitute.
• If you can’t get Rotel, use a mixture of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
• Use either fresh, canned or frozen corn and black beans.
• You can replace fresh garlic with garlic powder if it’s more convenient.

Equipment

This delicious taco casserole requires simple cooking tools:

• A large skillet for browning and sautéing.
• A 9×13 inch baking dish for the casserole.
• Mixing bowls for combining ingredients.

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into our step-by-step instructions for this delicious taco casserole recipe.

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
2. Brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add your diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook until everything is soft.
4. Drain off the excess fat from your beef mixture.
5. Stir in your taco seasoning packet to give it that Tex-Mex flavor.
6. Fold in your black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes.
7. Mix in half of your shredded cheese blend.
8. Spread a layer of your crushed Doritos at the bottom of your baking dish.
9. Spoon your meat and vegetable mixture evenly over these chips.
10. Top with your remaining Doritos and sprinkle on the leftover cheese.
11. Bake until your cheese is melted and bubbly – about 15-20 minutes.
12. Let your taco casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it firm up.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

To ensure you achieve the ultimate taco casserole, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t crush your chips too finely – you want to keep some texture.
• To prevent soggy chips, make sure to bake your casserole immediately.
• Adjust your taco seasoning amount to control the spice level.
• If your casserole is browning too fast, cover it with foil.
• Ensure you have an evenly distributed layer of meat for good baking.
• Be sure to thoroughly drain your cooked meat for best results.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve your taco casserole hot, garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions. Pair it with Mexican side dishes like cilantro lime rice or refried beans. A big glass of iced tea or a cold beer rounds out the meal.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover taco casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat portions in a microwave or oven until hot. For a crunchier texture, add fresh chips to the leftovers before reheating. If you wish to freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely before freezing.

To ensure your leftovers remain safe to eat, the USDA provides guidelines on safe food handling and preparation of leftovers, emphasizing prompt refrigeration and proper reheating temperatures.

Variations

For a fun twist, try these variations:

• Use shredded chicken or leftover turkey as a protein base.
• Try different flavored Doritos or other brand tortilla chips.
• Add a layer of cooked rice or pasta to make the casserole heartier.
• For those who love spicy food, add jalapenos or extra chilies.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (values may vary):

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I prepare taco casserole ahead?

Sure, you can assemble the casserole ahead, refrigerate it, and bake when ready. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What are the best Doritos to use?

We recommend using the original Doritos, but feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors.

Can I add rice or pasta?

Absolutely! A layer of cooked rice or pasta can make the dish heartier and more filling.

How do I prevent soggy chips?

To prevent sogginess, add the crushed chips just before baking and serve the casserole immediately after preparation.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Definitely. Homemade taco seasoning is a great alternative and lets you control the salt and spice levels.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy this easy, flavorful taco casserole recipe. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the comfort of a casserole with the punchy flavors of a good taco. Don’t forget, it’s not just for family meals, it’s also perfect for potlucks or casual get-togethers. Happy cooking!

Ultimate Taco Casserole Recipe

This easy-to-make Ultimate Taco Casserole features seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes, layered with crunchy Doritos and melted cheese. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 468 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• 9×13 baking dish
• Spoon

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup yellow onion diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans 15-ounce, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn 15-ounce, drained
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes with diced peppers 10-ounce
• 2 cups shredded cheese half cheddar/half Monterey Jack, divided
• 3 cups Doritos lightly crushed

Topping suggestions (Optional)

• lettuce
• tomatoes
• sour cream
• green onions

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into pieces until it’s about half-browned.
• Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the beef and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened.
• Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture, stir well, and cook for 1-2 minutes while constantly stirring.
• Stir in the drained black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and half of the shredded cheese into the skillet mixture.
• Place about 2 cups of lightly crushed Doritos evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
• Spoon the meat mixture over the Doritos in the baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
• Top the casserole with the remaining crushed Doritos and shredded cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are lightly toasted on top.
• Serve the casserole hot with your favorite taco toppings.

Notes

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. This casserole is also great for meal prepping and reheats well.