292cd374
Think of all the best parts of taco night—seasoned meat, melted cheese, zesty toppings—baked into one cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole. This Loaded Taco Casserole layers bold taco flavors with hearty ground beef, beans, cheese, and crunchy toppings. It’s customizable, easy to make ahead, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
⏱ Prep Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 25–30 minutes
- Total: ~45 minutes
🛠 Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Foil (optional for covering)
🧂 Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade – see note)
- ½ cup water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 2 cups tortilla chips or crushed tortilla strips
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup sliced green onions or red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Taco Seasoning Substitute: Combine 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Beans: Pinto or kidney beans also work.
- Chips: Use sturdy chips or strips to avoid sogginess—layer just before baking for some crunch, or top after baking for extra crisp.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion until soft (3–4 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season & Simmer
- Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and corn. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Assemble Casserole
- Spread half the crushed chips in the bottom of the dish.
- Top with the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and remaining chips on top if desired.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
- Top and Serve
- Add sour cream, avocado, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños just before serving.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
(Varies depending on toppings and exact ingredients used)
💡 Tips
- For a low-carb version, skip the chips and serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce.
- Prep the beef mixture a day ahead to save time.
- Double the recipe and freeze one casserole for later.
- Let everyone customize toppings at the table—fun for kids!
🔄 Variations
- Chicken Version: Use shredded rotisserie chicken and enchilada sauce instead of taco meat.
- Vegetarian: Omit meat and add extra beans or lentils.
- Spicy: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
- Breakfast Taco Casserole: Add scrambled eggs and hash browns for a brunch twist.
