Some dishes bring comfort and flavor in every bite, and Tex-Mex beef taco casserole does exactly that. This dish layers seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy tortilla chips, creating a combination of textures that’s impossible to resist. It’s hearty, packed with Tex-Mex spices, and easy to customize.
Unlike traditional tacos, this casserole is baked in a single dish, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The flavors blend together as it bakes, creating a dish that’s cheesy, slightly spicy, and full of rich, savory goodness. If you love tacos but want something even more satisfying, this casserole delivers.
Why This Taco Casserole Works
This dish takes everything great about tacos and turns it into a convenient, scoopable meal. Every bite has a crispy, cheesy, and saucy element, making it a favorite for all ages.
- Bold Tex-Mex Flavors – A mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic creates a deep, smoky seasoning for the beef.
- Cheesy, Crispy Layers – The contrast of melty cheese and crunchy tortilla chips adds texture.
- Feeds a Crowd – One dish makes multiple servings, making it great for gatherings or leftovers.
- Customizable Ingredients – You can easily swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings.
- Easy to Prepare – No need for multiple pans—everything comes together in one dish for easy cleanup.
Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.
What You’ll Need for Tex-Mex Beef Taco Casserole
Simple, everyday ingredients come together to create big flavors in this dish. Each one adds something essential to the final result.
- Ground Beef – A hearty base that absorbs all the Tex-Mex spices.
- Taco Seasoning – A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic that gives the beef its signature flavor.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes – Adds moisture and richness to the filling.
- Black Beans & Corn – Provides texture, sweetness, and extra protein.
- Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese – A combination of bold and melty cheeses for the best flavor.
- Tortilla Chips – Gives a crispy base and crunchy topping.
- Green Onions & Cilantro – Adds freshness and a pop of color.
With these ingredients, every bite has the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and cheesy goodness.
How to Make Tex-Mex Beef Taco Casserole
This casserole comes together in a few simple steps, with minimal prep and maximum flavor. The oven does most of the work, allowing all the ingredients to blend beautifully.
- Cook the Beef – Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease and stir in taco seasoning.
- Add the Tomatoes & Beans – Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, and corn. Simmer for a few minutes to develop the flavors.
- Layer the Casserole – Spread crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Add a layer of beef mixture and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake Until Bubbly – Bake at 375°F until the cheese melts and turns golden. The crispy edges add extra texture.
- Top & Serve – Finish with fresh green onions, cilantro, and extra tortilla chips for crunch.
The result is a casserole that’s rich, cheesy, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavor.
Best Toppings for Extra Flavor
Toppings add extra freshness and texture to the casserole. Whether you like it spicy or creamy, these options take it to the next level.
- Sour Cream – Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the bold spices.
- Guacamole – Brings richness and a fresh avocado flavor.
- Jalapeños – Sliced fresh or pickled for an extra kick.
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo – Enhances the dish with a fresh, tangy bite.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips – Extra crunch never hurts!
These small additions make each serving even more satisfying.
Ways to Customize the Casserole
Tex-Mex flavors pair well with a variety of ingredients, so you can easily tweak this recipe based on what you have on hand.
- Swap the Protein – Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Make It Spicier – Add chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use a Different Cheese – Pepper Jack or Mexican blend cheese adds a new flavor twist.
- Try a Low-Carb Option – Use a base of roasted cauliflower or zucchini slices instead of tortilla chips.
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No matter how you make it, this casserole remains deliciously cheesy and packed with bold spices.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Taco Casserole
Pairing this casserole with the right sides creates a well-rounded Tex-Mex meal. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Rice – A classic side that soaks up the flavors of the casserole.
- Refried Beans – Creamy, savory, and a great addition to balance the crunch.
- Grilled Peppers & Onions – Adds smoky sweetness to the meal.
- Fresh Corn Salad – A light, refreshing contrast to the cheesy dish.
Each side dish complements the casserole while adding variety to the meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This casserole tastes just as good the next day, as long as it’s stored properly. Keeping the layers fresh ensures that the crunch and flavor remain.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the Oven – Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Avoid Microwaving – It can make the chips soggy, so reheating in a pan or oven is best.
- Freeze for Later – Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
A quick reheat brings back all the gooey, crispy goodness for another delicious meal.
Tex-Mex Beef Taco Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet For browning the beef
- Baking Dish For assembling and baking the casserole
- Mixing Spoon For stirring the ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend for best flavor
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes fire-roasted for extra flavor
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
- 3 cups tortilla chips crushed
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the beef mixture, then a layer of cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining beef and cheese. Top with extra crushed tortilla chips.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with sour cream or salsa.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven for crispier texture.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
The best part? How easy and foolproof it is!
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
A new favorite in my household! Everyone asked for seconds.