Loaded with seasoned beef, black beans, zesty green chilies, and plenty of melted cheese, this Taco Casserole brings all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors into one baked dish. Top it off with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, and jalapeños for a easy family dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
30-Minute Dinner: Fast prep and simple assembly make it ideal for busy weeknights.
Crowd Favorite: Packed with classic taco night flavors that kids and adults love.
Highly Customizable: Customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Large Skillet: Bakes down the beef, onions, and seasonings smoothly before transferring to the oven.
2-Quart Casserole Dish (or 9×13 Baking Pan): Fits the beef filling and cheese layers evenly.
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling:
1 lb Lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small Yellow onion, finely chopped
1 packet (1 oz) Taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup Water
1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (4 oz) Diced green chilies
2 cups Shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
Optional Fresh Toppings:
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Diced fresh tomatoes
Sliced black olives
Sliced jalapeños
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Chopped fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish or casserole dish.
2. Brown Beef & Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
3. Simmer Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine Fillings: Add the drained diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, and diced green chilies into the skillet with the beef. Stir well until evenly mixed and heated through.
5. Layer & Bake: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly and top with 2 cups of shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
6. Top & Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then pile high with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapeño slices, and a dollop of sour cream!
Chef’s Tips
Crispy Base Crunch: Layer crushed tortilla chips or corn tortillas at the bottom of the dish before adding the meat mixture for extra texture.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the beef and bean layer ahead of time, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before adding cheese and baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving / 6 Servings Yield)
Servings: 6
Calories: ~360 kcal
Protein: 25g
Net Carbs: 14g
Fat: 21g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze leftover taco casserole?
Yes! Bake the casserole without fresh toppings, let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout.