Name: Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small bell pepper, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped (yellow or white); 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 package taco seasoning; 1 can ranch style beans; 1 can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies); 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 tablespoon butter or extra virgin olive oil; Crushed tortilla chips (enough for layering in a 9×13 casserole dish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 59 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that brings together the unbeatable flavors of a taco night into a cozy, comforting dish, this Taco Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a deliciously layered casserole that balances savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and the creamy goodness of a ranch-bean mixture—all baked into a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this Taco Casserole Recipe delivers big on flavor and warmth with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of nine white bowls arranged in a roughly circular pattern on a wooden surface. The bowls hold different ingredients: one has bright red chopped tomatoes with some juice, one contains a mix of yellow and white shredded cheese with a soft texture, another has smooth yellow creamy sauce, a small bowl holds finely chopped white onions, another bowl is filled with ground meat showing a pinkish texture, one bowl contains chopped green bell peppers, another has brownish powdered seasoning, one has golden oil with a shiny surface, and the last bowl shows cooked pinto beans in a reddish sauce. Two garlic cloves are placed beside the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These straightforward ingredients build the foundation for the best Taco Casserole Recipe you’ll ever try. Each item adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color, coming together to create a casserole that’s vibrant, cheesy, and packed with that classic taco flair.

1 pound ground beef: The hearty, savory base that carries all those wonderful taco seasonings.
1 small bell pepper (chopped): Adds a sweet crunch and vivid color contrast to the casserole.
1 small onion (chopped): Using yellow or white onion adds depth and a bit of bite; white onion gives a spicier edge.
2 cloves garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder): Infuses a fragrant, savory warmth to every layer.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: This gooey, melty cheese creates a golden crown on your casserole.
1 package taco seasoning: Brings that signature Southwest spice that makes this dish unforgettable.
1 can ranch style beans: Adds creamy texture and a mild, tangy flavor.
1 can Rotel tomatoes: The star for a zesty, slightly spicy tomato punch.
1 can cream of chicken soup: Keeps everything moist and luscious without overpowering the flavors.
1 tablespoon butter or Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing your veggies to tender perfection.
Crushed tortilla chips: Used as a crispy, salty base layer that adds a satisfying crunch.
Cooking spray: To ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking in your casserole dish.
Sour cream, salsa, jalapeños (optional toppings): For those finishing touches that elevate every bite.

How to Make Taco Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sauce

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch style beans, and Rotel tomatoes. Stir these together and heat until everything is blended and warm. This rich, creamy tomato-bean sauce is what glues the casserole together with incredible flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm your butter or EVOO. Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until the onions become soft and transparent. This step builds aromatic layers that ensure your casserole is bursting with freshness and a hint of sweetness from the peppers.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the sautéed vegetables and cook until it’s nicely browned. Browning the meat well adds caramelized flavor and texture that will shine in your final casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers

Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray, or line it with foil for effortless cleanup. Begin with a layer of crushed tortilla chips to add crunch at the bottom. Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef evenly, then pour on half of your warm sauce mixture. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layering—chips, beef, sauce—and finish with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese on top. This layering process is what makes this Taco Casserole Recipe irresistibly cheesy and texturally delightful.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and the cheese has melted into a glorious golden topping. The oven melds all the flavors together while crisping up those crunchy edges.

Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings and Serve

Once out of the oven, feel free to top your Taco Casserole Recipe with sour cream, fresh salsa, or sliced jalapeños for a little extra zing. These finishing touches truly make the dish shine and personalize each serving exactly how you like it.

How to Serve Taco Casserole Recipe

A clear rectangular glass baking dish holds a layered casserole with a rich golden-orange melted cheese topping scattered with small chunks of browned ground meat, bright green bell pepper pieces, and red beans. Underneath the cheese layer, bits of red tomato and crinkled tortilla chips peek out, adding texture and color. The melted cheese is creamy and smooth, covering all the ingredients evenly, with some browned spots adding a crispy look. The dish rests on a dark wooden surface surrounded by small white bowls filled with green chopped vegetables and reddish sauce, and a small wooden bowl of tortilla chips. The background is replaced with a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sour cream offers a creamy, cooling balance to the casserole’s spicy notes. Salsa gives a fresh, tangy kick, and jalapeños provide a lively heat. Feel free to experiment with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for added brightness and complexity.

Side Dishes

This Taco Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or even some grilled corn on the cob. These sides help round out the meal, bringing different textures and complementing the rich, cheesy taco flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or layered in clear glass dishes so everyone can see the colorful layers. You can also top servings with crushed chips or chopped green onions for extra crunch and color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only deepen, making it a perfect next-day meal that’s easy to heat and enjoy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Assemble it fully, but do not bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker meals without sacrificing much on flavor or texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works wonderfully in this Taco Casserole Recipe. Just be sure to brown it well and season generously to keep that rich taco flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spiciness level depends on your taco seasoning and the Rotel tomatoes you use. If you prefer milder flavors, choose mild Rotel and a less spicy taco seasoning blend. You can always add jalapeños separately to adjust the heat to your liking.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein, like seasoned lentils, black beans, or meatless crumbles. The combination of beans and cheese still keeps it hearty and delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

A homemade creamy sauce made from sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with chicken broth and a bit of flour or cornstarch works as a great substitute in this Taco Casserole Recipe.

How do I prevent the tortilla chips from getting soggy?

Layering chips at the bottom and alternating with thicker layers like cheese and meat helps maintain a nice crunch. Baking until bubbly but not overcooked keeps the texture perfect.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Casserole Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors and easy, satisfying meals. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you’re going to love how simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing it is!

Taco Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need