Cheesy Taco Casserole (Easy One-Pan Dinner!)

If you’re craving all the bold flavors of taco night in an easy, comforting dish, this Taco Casserole is your answer! It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and gooey melted cheese — all layered with crunchy tortilla chips and finished with your favorite taco toppings. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights easier and gatherings more delicious!

Perfect for busy nights, game day, or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole brings the fiesta to your dinner table — no taco shells required!

🌮 Why You’ll Love This Taco Casserole

Quick & Easy: Simple prep, minimal mess, and ready in under an hour.
Family-Friendly: A fun twist on tacos that everyone will love.
Customizable: Spice it up or keep it mild, add toppings, or switch up the protein.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes in one dish — easy cleanup!

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup salsa

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite)
3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
½ cup sour cream

Optional Toppings:

Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños

Chopped cilantro
Avocado or guacamole
Extra sour cream

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of your baking dish.
Top with half of the beef mixture.
Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the beef.

Repeat the layers: chips, beef, and the remaining cheese.

Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Top and Serve
Let it cool for 5 minutes. Add dollops of sour cream and your favorite toppings. Serve warm!

🔥 Tips & Variations

Lighter Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken.
Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, use spicy salsa, or a dash of hot sauce.
Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Layered Enchilada Style: Replace chips with flour or corn tortillas for a softer, enchilada-style casserole.
Taco Night Shortcut: Serve with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal.

🧀 Serving Suggestions

Pair this taco casserole with:

A side of Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
Chips and guacamole or salsa
A refreshing corn salad or black bean salad

Margaritas or agua fresca for the adults!

📦 Storage & Reheating

To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Freeze before baking (without toppings) or after baking, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months.

To Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warm or microwave individual portions.