Name: Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade); 1/2 cup water; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1/2 cup salsa; 6 small flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; Olive oil for greasing; Chopped cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for topping (optional)

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If you’re craving everything you love about tacos but want something ultra-cozy, satisfying, and easy enough for a weeknight, let me introduce you to the absolute star of the table: Taco Casserole with Tortillas. This vibrant dish layers flavorful seasoned beef, creamy beans, juicy tomatoes, and melty cheese with soft, chewy tortillas—baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s a family-friendly crowd-pleaser that brings all those Tex-Mex comforts together with minimal fuss, perfect for feeding a hungry crew or prepping in advance for busy nights.

Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Taco Casserole with Tortillas lies in simple, everyday ingredients that each bring their own personality—creating an irresistible harmony of textures and flavors. Here’s what you need, plus a few tricks to make each component shine.

Ground beef (1 pound): Rich, savory, and the backbone of our casserole. You can swap in turkey or chicken if you like.
Chopped onion (1 small): Adds mild sweetness and depth to the beef mixture—dice small for even cooking.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): A must for that irresistible, homey aroma and flavor punch.
Taco seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp homemade): This creates the classic, crave-worthy taco flavor—try homemade for extra control over the spice level!
Water (1/2 cup): Helps dissolve the spices and creates a saucy filling.
Black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can, 15 oz): Creamy beans add hearty texture and protein—don’t skip these!
Corn kernels (1 cup, fresh/frozen/canned): Pops of sweetness and lovely yellow color, any type Main Course.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz): Adds tangy, zesty flavor and a bit of heat—Rotel is a favorite here!
Salsa (1/2 cup): Infuses the casserole with even more saucy, savory flair—choose your heat level.
Small flour or corn tortillas (6): These soak up all the goodness and turn pillowy-soft—use your favorite kind!
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (2 cups): For that essential gooey, melty layer in every bite.
Olive oil (for greasing): Prevents sticking and helps the edges get a little golden.
Chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños (optional, for topping): Finish your casserole with color, freshness, and kick just before serving.

How to Make Taco Casserole with Tortillas

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s good and hot when you’re ready. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil to keep things from sticking. That’s the secret to a casserole that slices easily and lifts out in beautiful, cheesy layers!

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and fragrant, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle just for a minute—this quick step gives incredible depth to the taco casserole with tortillas.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and pour in the water. Stir everything together, then let it simmer 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened and saucy. This is where the magic happens—the spices infuse every bite with bold taco flavor!

Step 4: Mix in the Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Salsa

Pour in the rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Give everything a hearty stir so the filling is evenly combined and heated through. You want a spoonable, just-saucy mixture—deliciousness in every layer.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Now the fun begins! Place two tortillas at the bottom of your greased baking dish, tearing them to fit and cover the surface. Spoon a third of the beef mixture over top, then sprinkle with a third of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers twice more: tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese. You’ll finish with a generous cheesy topping, ready to melt into a golden blanket.

Step 6: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes so the layers set—it makes slicing much easier.

Step 7: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Get creative with your garnishes! Before serving your taco casserole with tortillas, shower the top with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some sliced jalapeños for color and zing. Serve straight from the pan and watch those smiles appear!

How to Serve Taco Casserole with Tortillas

Garnishes

This is the moment to let your personality shine! Sprinkle on plenty of chopped cilantro for freshness and color, add dollops of rich sour cream, or try slices of creamy avocado. For a little extra spark, scatter sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce over your taco casserole with tortillas—everyone can make their serving as mild or spicy as they like.

Side Dishes

No fiesta is complete without a few tasty sides. Pair your taco casserole with tortillas with a crisp green salad, tangy lime-dressed slaw, or classic Mexican rice and refried beans. Even a bowl of fresh guacamole and chips adds a crunchy, creamy twist, making dinner feel like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, turn the casserole into a DIY taco bar! Let guests pile their slices into extra tortillas or crisp lettuce cups and top them with favorite fixings. For parties or potlucks, cut the bake into bite-size squares and serve with toothpicks—it’s taco casserole with tortillas, but in festive, finger-food form.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are just as dreamy, and maybe even better by the next day. Cool your taco casserole with tortillas completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, making sure to keep any garnishes on the side until serving.

Freezing

Taco casserole with tortillas is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Assemble the casserole right up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can defrost overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen—just add extra time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbling.

Reheating

For best results, cover your leftovers with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and melty (about 20 to 30 minutes). Individual portions can go in the microwave, covered, but a quick oven blast keeps the tortillas from getting too soft. Add your fresh garnishes after warming for ultimate flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly in this taco casserole with tortillas. You can even use a plant-based meat or extra beans for a vegetarian twist without sacrificing any of the bold flavors.

What are the best tortillas to use in taco casserole with tortillas?

Both flour and corn tortillas work really well, depending on your texture preference. Flour tortillas bake up soft and a bit chewy, while corn tortillas add a slight toasty flavor. Feel free to mix and match, or even try whole wheat or low-carb tortillas if you prefer.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble your taco casserole with tortillas up to a day in advance—just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights and lets all the flavors meld beautifully.

How can I make this dish a little spicier?

If you love some heat, choose a spicier salsa, add extra diced green chilies, or layer in some chipotle powder when seasoning the beef. Topping with jalapeños or a swirl of hot sauce also brings the fire without overwhelming the dish.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Since you control the spices, you can keep the casserole as mild or as zesty as your family likes. Most kids love the cheesy layers and soft tortillas, and anyone wary of heat can simply skip the spicy toppings.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want an easy, cheerful dinner, there’s always a reason to make taco casserole with tortillas. It’s a true comfort food classic—hearty, customizable, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Try it once, and you just might find yourself adding it to your regular rotation!

Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Taco Casserole with Tortillas is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines all the delicious flavors of a classic taco in a convenient casserole form. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese are sandwiched between tortillas, baked until bubbly, and topped with cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños for a perfect finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
1/2 cup water

Other Ingredients:

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/2 cup salsa
6 small flour or corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Olive oil for greasing
Chopped cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Add garlic, then stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer until thickened.
Add Ingredients: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Stir to combine and heat through.
Layer Casserole: In the baking dish, layer tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese three times.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños if desired.