How to make Beef Taco Casserole? (Hot and Bubbly)

A delicious alternative to taco night, beef taco casserole is a terrific way to serve a large group or a hungry family.

For the ideal taco-inspired dish, seasoned ground beef and black beans are combined with salsa and cheese and baked until hot and bubbly.

Include your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olive slices, jalapenos, and more! My kids absolutely adore the “walking taco” effect that some crunchy Fritos corn chips offer to this taco beef casserole.

A taco casserole: what is it?

Everything you love about tacos is here but in the shape of a simple taco bake that is incredibly cozy.

Because I adore ground beef taco casserole recipes, my version also includes black beans to stretch the one pound of meat further. When I make my own taco seasoning, it elevates this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness; normally, I use a packet.

Change it Up

Depending on what you have on hand, you can alter this recipe. Any type of ground meat will do (like chicken or turkey). Add additional diced vegetables or peppers, or substitute the enchilada sauce for the salsa. Almost anything is OK!

Taco Casserole Recipe

Every location in the United States seems to be famous for a certain meal. If there’s one thing the Midwest is known for, it’s a hearty casserole, in my opinion. Of course, other regions of the nation offer casseroles as well, but Midwesterners will make a casserole out of anything!

This recipe only requires a few quick steps:

1. Cook beef, then drain the fat. Add beans and sauce mixture and stir.
2. Place in a casserole dish and sprinkle with cheese.
3. Bake until melted and bubbling.

It’s that simple! Add your preferred toppings next; it tastes fantastic with corn chips, Doritos, or tortilla chips.

To make it healthier

This may quickly and easily be transformed into a nutritious taco casserole by making a few changes!

• To make this taco casserole lighter, replace the standard ground beef with extra lean ground beef or even ground turkey.
• Use shredded cheese that has less fat.
• Utilize components with less sodium.
• As the beef cooks, add diced or shredded vegetables.
• For serving, sprinkle some fresh vegetables (lettuce or tomatoes) on top of the dish and omit the sour cream altogether.

Can Taco Casserole Be Freeze?

Yes! Because it freezes so well, this bean and beef taco casserole is excellent for meal planning or even cooking for a sick friend.

Simply place the casserole in your refrigerator overnight to thaw, and by supper the following day, it should be completely defrosted. At the conclusion of the page, after the recipe, are detailed instructions for freezing.

To Freeze Taco Casserole

TO FROST In a baking dish, combine the beef mixture after cooking it in a skillet without adding the final cup of cheese. When completely cooled, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight until the casserole is defrosted. Remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil, let the dish sit on the counter for approximately 20 minutes, then top with 1 cup of cheese.

Bake the dish for 45 to 55 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until it is hot and bubbling and the cheese has melted. You might need to extend the bake time by a few minutes if the dish is still quite cold after being taken out of the refrigerator.

Baked Beef Taco Casserole

This homemade, super simple beef and bean taco casserole freezes well and is a big success with families.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
• 1 package of taco seasoning
• 15 ounces of black beans drained and rinsed
• 4 ounces diced green chiles drained
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 16-ounce Picante sauce or salsa
• 2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese divided

Instructions for Beef Taco Casserole

1. oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Nonstick spray a 9×13 or 3-quart baking dish, then set it aside.
2. Add olive oil to a big, deep skillet that is already hot over medium-high heat. Approximately 4-5 minutes later, add the ground beef and simmer, crumbling with a wooden spoon or potato masher, until browned and mostly done.
3. To the steak, add onion and jalapenos. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and tender. Cook the garlic for about a minute. At this point, the beef ought to be thoroughly cooked and browned.
4. Return to the skillet after draining any fat. Add the taco seasoning, black beans, green chiles, tomato paste, salt, and Picante sauce. Stir to combine. for 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese to the skillet after setting it aside.
6. Place prepared baking dish with the beef mixture in it, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
7. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and everything is hot and bubbling.
8. Add chosen toppings, then plate and serve!

Notes

TO FROST In a baking dish, combine the beef mixture after cooking it in a skillet without adding the final cup of cheese. When completely cooled, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight until casserole is totally defrosted. Remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil, let the dish sit on the counter for approximately 20 minutes, then top with 1 cup of cheese. Bake the dish for 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F, or until it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted.

Salsa, shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes, diced jalapenos, minced fresh cilantro, lime wedges, Frito corn chips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and refried beans are some of the topping options.

Nutrition information

Calories: 386 | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1461mg | Potassium: 862mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 795IU | Vitamin C: 16.2mg | Calcium: 317mg | Iron: 4.2mg