Loaded Taco Casserole

Loaded Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, and all your favorite taco toppings. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A fun and easy twist on classic tacos.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
• Fully customizable with different toppings and proteins.
• Great for potlucks, family dinners, or parties.
• Layers of flavor with crunchy, cheesy, and savory elements.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole:

• Ground beef or turkey
• Taco seasoning
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Diced tomatoes (with green chilies, optional)
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Corn kernels
• Salsa
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Tortilla chips or soft tortillas

For Toppings (Optional):

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Taco Meat

1. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, cook chopped onions and garlic until softened.
3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
4. Season: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

5. Layer the base: Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips or soft tortillas in a greased baking dish.
6. Add the taco mixture: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the chips.
7. Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef mixture.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Add toppings: Let cool for a few minutes, then add desired toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or lettuce.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Chicken Taco Casserole: Use shredded or diced cooked chicken instead of ground beef.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with extra beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu.
• Low-Carb Option: Use crushed pork rinds or a layer of cauliflower rice instead of tortilla chips.
• Creamy Version: Mix in cream cheese or sour cream with the beef for a richer texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

Do I need to use tortilla chips?

No, you can use soft tortillas or even rice as the base.

What’s the best cheese for this casserole?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works best.

Can I add rice to this dish?

Yes, cooked rice can be added for extra heartiness.

How do I make this casserole extra crunchy?

Add extra crushed tortilla chips right before serving.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese and skip the sour cream topping.

What can I serve with taco casserole?

It pairs well with a side salad, cornbread, or Mexican rice.

How do I make it kid-friendly?

Use mild taco seasoning and skip spicy ingredients like jalapeños.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the beef mixture as directed, then layer in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.

What toppings go best with this dish?

Sour cream, guacamole, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro add great flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Loaded Taco Casserole is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings all the best parts of tacos into one cheesy, comforting dish. With endless customization options, this crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or any occasion where you want a delicious and stress-free meal

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This Loaded Taco Casserole is packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh taco toppings! An easy, crowd-pleasing meal for Taco Night.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup corn
• 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Brown ground beef and drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and salsa.
• Layer the casserole: Spread crushed tortilla chips, then taco meat, corn, and cheese.
• Bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts.
• Top with tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, and cilantro.

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Notes

• Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Add black beans for extra protein