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Easy Taco Casserole

This Easy Taco Casserole is a cheesy, flavorful baked dish made with seasoned ground beef, beans, salsa, tortilla chips, and melted cheese. It’s a quick family dinner that brings all the flavors of tacos into one simple casserole.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Taco Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup salsa
  • Layers
  • 3 cups tortilla chips lightly crushed
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Green onions
  • Jalapeños
  • Avocado
  • Fresh cilantro

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned.
  3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
  5. Mix in black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook 2 minutes.
  6. Spread half the crushed tortilla chips in the baking dish.
  7. Add half the beef mixture on top.
  8. Sprinkle half the cheese over the beef.
  9. Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef, and cheese.
  10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  11. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  12. Add desired toppings and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
  • Add jalapeños for a spicier version.
  • Fresh chips added after baking keep extra crunch.
  • Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
  • Freezes well before baking for up to 2 months.
  • Great base for taco pasta casserole or taco tater tot casserole variations.