If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that brings the best of Tex-Mex to your table, then this Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, fresh salsa, and melty Mexican cheese layered between soft tortillas, this dish is a crowd-pleaser all around. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something satisfying, colorful, and easy to prep. Once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to family favorites that offers all the deliciousness of tacos with the cozy charm of a baked casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe is simple yet essential to building layers of incredible flavor, texture, and rich color. From the savory ground beef to the creamy melted cheese and fresh vegetables, these ingredients come together in harmony to create a dish that’s both hearty and vibrant.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The meaty base that brings flavor and protein to the casserole.
- Taco seasoning mix (1 packet): Adds that signature bold and zesty taste you expect in classic tacos.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps the seasoning blend infuse the beef perfectly.
- Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Provides creaminess and fiber, balancing the meat’s richness.
- Corn (1 can, drained): Offers a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 10 oz): Brings juiciness and freshness to the filling.
- Salsa (1 cup): Packs a punch with spice and tang that livens up every bite.
- Flour tortillas (6 small, cut into halves or quarters): Create the delicious layered structure of the casserole.
- Mexican blend cheese (2 cups shredded): Melts beautifully, giving the casserole that irresistible gooey topping.
- Optional toppings: Chopped green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro for added freshness and zing.
How to Make Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that by the time you’ve assembled your layers, the oven is perfectly hot to melt cheese and meld all those vibrant flavors together beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the water, then simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors concentrate.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
Next, add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa right to the skillet. Stir everything until well combined, then allow it to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step blends all those wonderful tastes into a hearty, cohesive filling.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Begin by layering the bottom with pieces of the cut tortillas, then spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over them. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese to create a beautifully stacked taco casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Cover your casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and start melting all that cheese. Then carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and golden on top.
Step 6: Serve
Once out of the oven, add your favorite optional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes to bring freshness and brightness. Serve warm and watch everyone dive right in!
How to Serve Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few vibrant garnishes turns this dish into a showstopper. Think crisp chopped green onions for a mild bite, dollops of cooling sour cream, juicy diced tomatoes for freshness, spiced sliced jalapeños for some heat, and bright cilantro to brighten the whole experience. Choose your favorites and pile them on for a colorful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette or a scoop of Spanish rice. Crunchy tortilla chips and guacamole also make great accompaniments if you want to keep the Tex-Mex vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a warm rustic feel. If you want to impress guests, spoon individual servings into small ramekins or colorful bowls, then top with your choice of garnishes. This Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe is versatile enough for both cozy family meals and fun dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Simply cover, chill, and enjoy leftovers for an easy reheated meal later in the week.
Freezing
You can also freeze this casserole either before or after baking. For best results, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Adding a few fresh garnishes after reheating will give it that just-made pizzazz.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and creates a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Just brown and season it the same way you do the beef.
What if I don’t have flour tortillas? Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Corn tortillas can be used but handle them gently as they break more easily. You might want to briefly warm them beforehand to make them more pliable and less prone to cracking when layering.
Is this recipe spicy, and can I adjust the heat level?
The spice mainly comes from the taco seasoning and salsa. You can easily control the heat by choosing mild salsa and a mild taco seasoning or add extra jalapeños or hot sauce if you like things fiery.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the ground beef and increase the beans and veggies, or add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes to keep it hearty and satisfying.
What are good toppings for this taco casserole?
Traditional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and chopped green onions enhance flavor and texture. Avocado slices or guacamole also make wonderful creamy additions.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe is a total winner when you want that comforting taco taste without the fuss of assembling individual tacos. It’s a warm hug on a plate with layers of flavor that always satisfy. I encourage you to give it a try for your next meal—you might just find it becoming your new family favorite that everyone begs for again and again.
Print
Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This hearty Taco Casserole with Tortillas is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and layers of tortillas topped with melted Mexican blend cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this baked casserole brings Mexican-inspired flavors together in a satisfying, cheesy bake that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (10 oz)
- 1 cup salsa
- 6 small flour tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to develop flavor.
- Prepare the Filling: Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa into the seasoned beef mixture. Mix well and let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so all flavors combine.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin layering with tortilla pieces on the bottom, then spread half of the beef and vegetable mixture over them. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Repeat this layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with your choice of optional toppings such as chopped green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference; flour is used here for softness.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the salsa and jalapeño toppings.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
