Family Favorite Taco Casserole Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor!

Photo byNaomi Madison

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a hearty casserole, and this Taco Casserole is the ultimate answer for busy families craving a delicious and satisfying meal. Packed with layers of tender ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and the bold flavors of your favorite taco toppings, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters. Add in a crunchy layer of Doritos for texture, and you’ve got yourself a casserole that’s as fun as it is flavorful!

This Taco Casserole brings together all the best parts of taco night without the need for assembling individual tacos. Instead, you get a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring there’s enough for leftovers. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe makes it easy to put something on the table that everyone will love.

What makes this casserole extra special is the use of Doritos, giving it a fun twist with that signature crunchy texture. Combine that with tender ground beef, savory taco seasonings, black beans, corn, salsa, and a generous amount of cheese, and you have all the flavors you love in a taco, but baked into a comforting and hearty dish.

Recipe: Ultimate Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor recommended)
• 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15.5-ounce) jar salsa (use your favorite kind)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or use cheddar), divided

Optional Toppings:

• Tomatoes
• Cilantro
• Scallions
• Avocado
• Black olives
• Sour cream
• Lettuce

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and move the rack to the middle position.

Cook the Beef:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, for about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped onion, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.

Prepare the Casserole:
In the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish, spread an even layer of crushed Doritos. If there’s any excess fat from the beef, spoon most of it out. Stir in the black beans, corn, salsa, and half of the shredded cheese into the beef mixture, letting everything heat through until the cheese melts.

Assemble the Casserole:
Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the Doritos layer in the dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, covering the surface.

Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Feel free to customize it with your favorite taco toppings like tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, avocado, black olives, sour cream, or lettuce.

The Perfect Comfort Dish

This taco casserole is not only easy to prepare, but it’s a dish that you can customize to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite toppings or switch up the seasonings to give it your own personal twist. Plus, it’s great for meal prep! Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great option for next-day lunches.

With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, this taco casserole is perfect for families on the go. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that feels like comfort food, yet comes together quickly. So next time you’re looking for an easy dinner that everyone will love, give this taco casserole a try—it’s sure to become a new favorite!

Here are some reliable sources you can use for your taco casserole recipe:

1. Taste of Home provides a step-by-step guide for making a taco casserole that's perfect for a potluck or family gathering. The recipe includes layers of ground beef, taco seasoning, biscuit mix, and various toppings, making it a hearty dish. You can check it out here​(Taste of Home)​(Taste of Home).
2. Allrecipes has several variations of taco casseroles, including one that features ground beef, salsa, tortilla chips, and a variety of toppings like olives and sour cream. This is a quick and easy recipe ideal for busy weeknights. You can find the recipe here​(Allrecipes)​(Allrecipes).
3. Insanely Good Recipes also offers a popular taco casserole recipe, focusing on convenience with layers of beef, salsa, and cheese. This dish is perfect for families looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner. Check it out here​(Insanely Good Recipes).

These sources should give you a variety of options for making your taco casserole!