Layered Taco Casserole with Ground Beef combines seasoned beef, black beans, corn, tortillas, and melted cheese in an easy baked casserole. It's great for family dinners, meal prep, and Mexican-inspired comfort food. The layers bake together into a hearty cheesy casserole that slices easily for serving.
If you love this Mexican-inspired recipe, check out our Cheesy Baked Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers or this Chicken Fajita Bake.
Layered Taco Casserole with Ground Beef at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 25 minutes
- 🧊 Optional Chill: None
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🔥 Cook Method: Oven-baked casserole
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Mexican-inspired casserole
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Tomato and Avocado Salad, tortilla chips, Fire Roasted Salsa, Restaurant Style Guacamole with (or without) Cilantro
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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Layering the tortillas evenly helps the casserole hold together better once sliced after baking. ~Jami
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. Just like this 3 Ingredient Cheese Quesadilla Recipe!
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite taco toppings.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep it ahead of time and just bake when you're ready. If you're into planning meals like that, our Crockpot Birria Tacos are another favorite. The chuck roast is packed with flavor and reheats well.
Taco Casserole 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. If you're a fan of corn, be sure to try our Chipotle's Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe.
- Taco Seasoning: Use homemade taco seasoning for the best flavor.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Street Corn Tortillas: Layered throughout the casserole for a classic Mexican touch.
- Cheese: A blend of cheeses that melt well.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Protein: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Tortillas: Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture.
- Beans: Substitute black beans with pinto beans for a slightly different flavor.
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How to Make a Layered Taco Casserole
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. Using a slotted spoon, spread one-half of the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle generously with cheese.
Repeat the layer by adding 4 more tortillas, one-half of the meat mixture, and another generous 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.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳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 meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Taste as you go. Depending on the brand of beans or tomatoes, you might need a pinch more salt or seasoning.
✔️ DO Drain the tomatoes. If you skip draining, the bottom layer can turn out watery.
✔️ DO Spray the underside of the foil lightly with oil to prevent the cheese from sticking if it rises close to the top.
Storage
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. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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📖 Recipe
Layered Taco Casserole with Ground Beef
Equipment
- Skillet
- 8x8 inch baking dish
- Cooking Spray
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) shredded
- 8 small Mission Street Corn Tortillas white or yellow
- 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
- paprika
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. Using a slotted spoon, spread one-half of the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Repeat the layer by adding 4 more tortillas, one-half of the meat mixture, and another generous 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. Very lightly dust paprika over the top for color.
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Notes
- Overlap the tortillas slightly to fully cover the dish.
- Drain the tomatoes and beans well before layering.
- Cover with foil during baking so the cheese melts evenly.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for cleaner slices.
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