Go Back
–+ servings

Easy Taco Casserole

Overhead view of a white dinner plate with a serving of easy taco casserole, glass of water, red checkered kitchen cloth, and casserole ingredients in the background.
Easy Taco Casserole adds a fun twist to Taco Tuesday! The taco-inspired ingredients, tortilla chips and gooey cheese is sure to impress!
David Murphy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Serving Size 8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef I used 90% lean
  • ½ medium sweet onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 8 ounce salsa of choice
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 1 oz packets taco seasoning (or 4 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning blend)
  • 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 ½ cups shredded cheese blend divided
  • 3 ½ cups crushed tortilla chips divided

Additional topping ideas: lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, black olives, sour cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once heated, add the ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon and brown until cooked through, about 5-7minutes. Drain any excess grease/fat if needed.
  • Add the salsa, water, and seasonings. Mix together and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and immediately mix in the black beans and just HALF of the shredded cheese
  • Add about 2 ½ cups cups of crushed tortilla chips in an even layer into the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Just enough to cover the bottom. Set aside the remaining crushed tortilla chips for later.
  • Spoon the ground beef taco mixture evenly on top.
  • Sprinkle on the remaining cheese.
  • Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
  • Once it has finished baking, remove from the oven and top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips. Add your favorite toppings if desired!

Notes

  • Instead of adding toppings directly to the casserole dish, you can serve it on the side so everyone can choose what toppings they would like on their plate.
  • For a leaner meat, this recipe can be made with ground turkey instead of ground beef.
  • If you want it spicy, add a little bit of ground cayenne pepper when adding the seasonings. Or use a spicy salsa or a spicy taco seasoning blend.
  • Instead of tortilla chips, you can use doritos or fritos instead!
  • You can add veggies for the filling with the ground beef if desired such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.