Taco Casserole with Ground Beef is the perfect comfort-food mashup of classic tacos and an easy baked casserole. It delivers all the bold, savory flavors you love—seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and taco-inspired spices—layered into one hearty, satisfying dish. Best of all, it’s baked in the oven, making it simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
This casserole is ideal when you want taco night flavor without assembling individual tacos. Everything comes together in one dish, which means less mess, less cleanup, and more time to enjoy dinner. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or bringing food to a gathering, this taco casserole is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Casserole with Ground Beef
- One-dish meal with easy cleanup
- Loaded with cheesy taco flavor
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
- Kid-friendly and customizable
- Perfect for busy weeknights
Why You Should Try This Recipe
All the Taco Flavor, Less Effort
Instead of assembling tacos one by one, this casserole lets you enjoy the same flavors in a baked, scoopable form. As a result, dinner is faster and easier.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
This recipe makes generous portions and can easily be doubled. Therefore, it’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Customizable for Any Taste
You can adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or swap ingredients to suit your preferences. In addition, it pairs well with many different toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Taco seasoning
- Cooked rice or crushed tortilla chips
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels
- Salsa or diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, cilantro
How to Make Taco Casserole with Ground Beef (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in the garlic.
Step 3: Season the beef
Add taco seasoning and a small amount of water. Simmer until thickened and well combined.
Step 4: Combine the filling
In a large bowl, mix the seasoned beef with cooked rice (or crushed tortilla chips), black beans, corn, and salsa.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Add cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Add desired toppings and serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 420–520
- Protein: 22–28g
- Carbohydrates: 35–45g
- Fat: 20–26g
- Fiber: 5–7g
- Sodium: Moderate
Tips for the Best Taco Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease
- Drain beef well to avoid a soggy casserole
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
- Don’t overbake or the casserole may dry out
- Let it rest before serving so it sets properly
Variations & Substitutions
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot salsa
- Add bell peppers or zucchini for veggies
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
- Swap rice for tortilla chips for extra crunch
- Add a layer of refried beans for richness
What to Serve with Taco Casserole
- Simple green salad
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Tortilla chips
- Mexican street corn
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping draining the beef
- Adding too much liquid
- Overbaking until dry
- Under-seasoning the filling
- Cutting immediately without resting
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave
- Add a splash of salsa if needed
- Freeze for up to 2 months
Conclusion
Taco Casserole with Ground Beef is a simple, comforting dinner that delivers big taco flavor in an easy, oven-baked dish. Cheesy, hearty, and endlessly customizable, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—especially on busy nights when you want something everyone will love.
General Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Casserole
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Taco Casserole with Ground Beef?
It’s a baked casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, cheese, and taco-style ingredients into one easy dish.
2. Can I make taco casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
3. What type of ground beef works best?
Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works best to avoid excess grease.
4. Do I need to cook the ground beef first?
Yes. Always brown and drain the beef before adding it to the casserole.
5. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Both are great lighter alternatives and work well with taco seasoning.
6. Is Taco Casserole spicy?
It’s mild by default, but you can make it spicier with hot salsa, jalapeños, or extra seasoning.
7. Can I make this casserole low-carb?
Yes. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or chips.
8. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or spinach are great additions.
9. What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt beautifully.
10. Can I use tortilla chips instead of rice?
Yes. Crushed tortilla chips add great texture and crunch.
11. How long does taco casserole last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 4 days.
12. Can I freeze Taco Casserole with Ground Beef?
Yes. Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
13. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of salsa if it seems dry.
14. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly.
15. Is this casserole good for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats well and stays flavorful, making it ideal for meal prep.
16. What toppings go well with taco casserole?
Sour cream, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and tortilla chips all work well.
17. Why is my casserole watery?
This usually happens if the beef isn’t drained well or too much liquid is added.
18. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free cheese or skip cheese entirely.
19. Is Taco Casserole kid-friendly?
Yes. It’s cheesy, mild, and usually a hit with kids.
20. Is Taco Casserole with Ground Beef a full meal?
Yes. With protein, carbs, and cheese, it’s a complete and filling dinner.