Looking for a comforting, family-friendly dinner idea? Our Easy Cheesy Layered Taco Casserole with Ground Beef and Corn Tortillas is the perfect solution! This dish combines all your favorite taco ingredients into a convenient and flavorful casserole, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Layered taco casserole, sometimes known as Mexican lasagna or 3-layer Mexican bake, is a flavorful dish that combines all the best elements of tacos in a convenient, baked form. With layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, this casserole offers a variation of traditional tacos, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole comes together in just minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, flavorful layers.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite taco toppings.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready for a hassle-free meal.
If you like this Mexican Cuisine recipe, you may also love our Baked Chicken Tinga Enchiladas or our Cheesy Baked Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers.
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Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Onion: Adds a depth of flavor when sautéed with the beef.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Provides a smoky flavor that enhances the casserole.
- Black Beans: Rinsed and drained to add protein and texture.
- Frozen Corn: Adds sweetness and crunch to the layers.
- Taco Seasoning: Use homemade taco seasoning for the best flavor.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Corn Tortillas: Layered throughout the casserole for a classic Mexican touch.
- Kraft Mexican Four Cheese: A blend of cheeses that melts beautifully.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make Easy Cheesy Layered Taco Casserole with Ground Beef and Corn Tortillas
Step One: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat. Season the mixture with taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step Two: Add the Vegetables
Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and frozen corn to the skillet. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step Three: Assemble the Casserole
Arrange 4 small corn tortillas in the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish.
Spread one-third of the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas.
Sprinkle generously with Kraft Mexican Four Cheese.
Repeat the layers: add another 4 tortillas, one-third of the meat mixture, and another generous layer of cheese. Add a final layer of 4 tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, and a final layer of cheese.
Step Four: Bake and Serve
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
What Can I Substitute in this Recipe?
- Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Flour Tortillas: Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture.
- Pinto Beans: Substitute black beans with pinto beans for a slightly different flavor.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Diet: Make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat and adding extra beans and vegetables.
- Spice: Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning for a kick.
- Kid-Friendly: Reduce the amount of taco seasoning for a milder flavor.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Skillet
- 8x8-inch Baking Dish
- Cooking Spray
- Aluminum Foil
How Should I Store and Reheat this Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, assemble as directed. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
For a crispier top layer, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover black beans in Black Bean Soup.
- Make a Fire Roasted Salsa with leftover diced tomatoes.
- Toss frozen corn into Chipotle's Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Pair with a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
- Serve with Fresh Restaurant Style Guacamole with (or without) Cilantro.
- Add sour cream for extra creaminess.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Chicken Taco Lasagna
- Beef Quesadilla Casserole
- Easy Crockpot Birria Tacos
- 3 Ingredient Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Related
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FAQ
Yes, you can freeze layered taco casserole. Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or add extra beans and vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. Season well with taco seasoning to maintain the flavor.
Layered taco casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or guacamole. You can also serve it with toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions for added flavor.
📖 Recipe
Easy Cheesy Layered Taco Casserole with Ground Beef and Corn Tortillas
Equipment
- Skillet
- 8x8 inch baking dish
- Cooking Spray
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 8-12 oz Kraft Mexican Four Cheese shredded
- 12 small Mission Street Corn Tortillas
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes drained
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chuck with diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat. Season with taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and frozen corn to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange 4 small corn tortillas in the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom. Spread one-third of the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle generously with Kraft Mexican Four Cheese.
- Repeat the layers: add another 4 tortillas, one-third of the meat mixture, and another generous layer of cheese. Add a final layer of 4 tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, and a final layer of cheese.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Flour Tortillas: Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture.
- Pinto Beans: Substitute black beans with pinto beans for a slightly different flavor.
Nutrition
Our Easy Cheesy Layered Taco Casserole with Ground Beef and Corn Tortillas is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Try it out, share your results, and explore more of our delicious recipes for your next family dinner.
Make sure all meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
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