This Easy Mexican Taco Casserole is a delicious, layered dish that combines all your favorite taco ingredients — seasoned beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheese — baked together to golden perfection. Each bite bursts with bold Tex-Mex flavor, and it’s so simple to make that it quickly becomes a weeknight staple. Serve it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado for a complete fiesta on your plate!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning mix, then stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. - Assemble the Casserole:
Layer 6 corn tortillas at the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a layer of cheese.
Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, and finish with a generous amount of cheese on top. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite toppings — sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for busy families, taco lovers, and meal prep fans who crave a comforting dish with minimal effort. If you love tacos but don’t want the mess of assembling them individually, this casserole brings all that flavor together in one easy bake!
Why It’s Great
- One-pan meal — less cleanup and more flavor.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.
- Customizable — make it mild or spicy to suit your taste.
- Freezer-friendly for quick future meals.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of salsa or water before reheating to keep it moist.
FAQ
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes! Flour tortillas work just as well — they’ll make the casserole a bit softer and less crumbly.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip the beef and add extra beans, rice, or sautéed veggies for a meatless version.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: What sides go best with this recipe?
It pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, guacamole, or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Taco Casserole brings all the bold, zesty flavors of tacos into one cheesy, oven-baked dish. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly easy to make — ideal for family dinners or gatherings. With its layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and soft tortillas, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation!
