This hearty taco casserole blends classic flavors with seasoned beef, refried and black beans, fresh corn, and zesty salsa, all layered with gooey melted cheese and topped with crunchy chips. A mouthwatering Mexican favorite, it offers a delightful mix of textures and spices that make every bite irresistibly satisfying and perfect for any meal.

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I love making this Taco Casserole because it combines all my favorite elements of Mexican flavor in one hearty dish. I start with 1 lb of ground beef cooked with a packet of taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of water to create a savory base.

Then, I stir in a can of refried beans and a can of black beans that have been drained and rinsed, along with 1 cup of corn kernels and 1 cup of salsa. The dish gets a real nutritional boost from the protein and fiber in the beans and beef.

I top it off with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and about 2 cups of my favorite tortilla chips for crunch. Sometimes I add chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream once it’s baked.

This recipe took a few cues from various Fiesta Meals and Hamburger Meat casseroles, always keeping it simple and fast for a healthy dinner.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because its a total flavor explosion. The mix of ground beef, beans, corn, and salsa fills my kitchen with amazing mexican tastes that always remind me of family gatherings. It’s also pretty easy to put together even if im not feeling super motivated, and i appreciate that i can prep it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when i’m ready to eat. The crunchy Doritos topping is my favorite part because it adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the melty cheese and soft bean layers. And lastly, its really comforting – every bite makes me feel like i’m enjoying a treat even on a regular weeknight.

Ingredients

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Ground Beef: Packed with protein and flavor, this ingredient forms a hearty base for the casserole.
Taco Seasoning: A vibrant mix that brings a zesty, savory kick and enhances every layer.
Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and fiber while balancing the heat with its mild flavor.
Salsa: Lively and tangy, it delivers a spicy-sour punch that rivals the savory elements.
Crushed Tortilla Chips: Provides a crunchy texture, adding salty carbs and a festive touch to every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ground beef

1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix

1/2 cup water

1 can (16 oz) refried beans

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)

1 cup salsa (your favorite heat level works best)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix with Monterey Jack)

2 cups crushed Doritos, Fritos, or tortilla chips

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Optional: Sour cream for serving

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink then drain off extra grease. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water, letting it simmer for a couple minutes.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the refried beans, black beans, corn kernels, and salsa. If you like, toss in the chopped green onions.

3. Add the cooked beef into the bean mixture and stir well so everything gets mixed in.

4. Spread half of the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese mix) over the meat and bean layer.

6. Layer the rest of the beef and bean mixture on top of the cheese.

7. Evenly distribute the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese all over that layer.

8. Top the whole thing with the 2 cups of crushed Doritos, Fritos, or tortilla chips.

9. Bake the casserole in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chips get a bit toasted.

10. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if you want. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven to preheat at 350°F and bake the casserole
2. Stovetop burner and a large skillet to cook the ground beef
3. Wooden spoon or spatula to stir the beef and later mix the ingredients
4. A large mixing bowl for combining the refried beans, black beans, corn, salsa, and green onions
5. A 9×13-inch baking dish for layering and baking the casserole
6. A measuring cup for the water and bacon nutrients if needed (optional: could also use a kitchen scale for other ingredients)
7. Knife and cutting board if you are chopping green onions or any other fresh ingredients

FAQ

Q: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

A: Yep, you can swap the beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just cook it well and adjust seasoning as needed.

Q: Can this taco casserole be prepped ahead of time?

A: Sure, you can totally prep it ahead. Cook and assemble the layers, then either refrigerate it overnight or freeze individual portions.

Q: What if I dont have refried beans?

A: If you dont have refried beans, you can blend some black beans with a bit of cumin and garlic for a similar consistency.

Q: Can I use a different type of chips instead of Doritos?

A: Yeah, you can use Fritos, tortilla chips, or any crunchy chips you like. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor slightly.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?

A: It depends on the salsa, but overall its pretty mild. If you want it hotter, choose a spicier salsa or add some jalapeños.

Taco Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have ground beef, try using ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter touch.
If you’re out of taco seasoning, you can mix up your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
No refried beans on hand? Mash up pinto or black beans as a good alternate for that creamy texture.
If corn kernels are hard to find, diced green bell peppers can add a nice crunch and color to the dish.

Pro Tips

1. Cook the beef just until it’s done and make sure to drain off the extra grease well cause if you leave too much fat the rest of the dish might get too greasy and heavy.

2. When layering the casserole, try to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of the chips near the end of the baking time so you get a nice, extra crispy cheesy crust.

3. Experiment with your salsa and bean mix – if you like a little extra heat, add in some chopped jalapenos or a dash more of your favorite hot sauce to suit your taste.

4. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes when you take it out of the oven so the layers firm up a bit which makes it easier to serve and less likely to fall apart.

Taco Casserole Recipe

Recipe by James Level

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

450

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven to preheat at 350°F and bake the casserole
2. Stovetop burner and a large skillet to cook the ground beef
3. Wooden spoon or spatula to stir the beef and later mix the ingredients
4. A large mixing bowl for combining the refried beans, black beans, corn, salsa, and green onions
5. A 9×13-inch baking dish for layering and baking the casserole
6. A measuring cup for the water and bacon nutrients if needed (optional: could also use a kitchen scale for other ingredients)
7. Knife and cutting board if you are chopping green onions or any other fresh ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
1 cup salsa (your favorite heat level works best)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix with Monterey Jack)
2 cups crushed Doritos, Fritos, or tortilla chips
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Optional: Sour cream for serving

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it's no longer pink then drain off extra grease. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water, letting it simmer for a couple minutes.
In a big bowl, mix together the refried beans, black beans, corn kernels, and salsa. If you like, toss in the chopped green onions.
Add the cooked beef into the bean mixture and stir well so everything gets mixed in.
Spread half of the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese mix) over the meat and bean layer.
Layer the rest of the beef and bean mixture on top of the cheese.
Evenly distribute the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese all over that layer.
Top the whole thing with the 2 cups of crushed Doritos, Fritos, or tortilla chips.
Bake the casserole in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chips get a bit toasted.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if you want. Enjoy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 250g
Total number of serves: 8
Calories: 450kcal
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated: 3g
Monounsaturated: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 400mg
Potassium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 500IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Calcium: 200mg
Iron: 3mg

Taco Casserole Recipe

Why I Like this Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

How to Make this

Equipment Needed

FAQ

Taco Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pro Tips