Easy Taco Casserole: Quick, Flavorful, and Crowd-Pleasing
When you’re craving the bold flavors of tacos but want something even heartier, this Taco Casserole hits the spot! Packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, crunchy Fritos, and melty cheese, this casserole delivers a deliciously satisfying meal in every bite. Best of all, it’s easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings.
Taco Casserole
This taco casserole brings all the classic Tex-Mex flavors into one dish. It’s layered with beans, sour cream, seasoned beef, and crunchy corn chips, all baked to golden, cheesy perfection. Serve it as-is, or let everyone top their portion with shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole. It’s taco night without the mess!
Plus, this recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. It’s quick to assemble, bakes in under 20 minutes, and reheats beautifully—so you can enjoy those irresistible taco flavors anytime. Let’s dive into this comforting, cheesy casserole that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
Quick and Easy: A no-fuss recipe that’s ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Bold Taco Flavors: Loaded with seasoned beef, creamy beans, and zesty toppings for maximum flavor.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or hot sauce for a personalized touch.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day feasts.
Ingredients:
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef (80/20)
- 1 Medium Sized Onion, Diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, Seeded and Diced
- 2 Ounces Taco Seasoning
- ¼ Cup Water
- 10 Ounces Pinto Beans Or Refried Beans (Drain and Rinse If Using Canned Beans)
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Cup Fritos
- 2 Cups Colby Jack Cheese, Shredded
How to Make Taco Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ and prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat, cook and break up the ground beef along with the onion and red bell pepper and onion until the ground beef is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat if necessary.
- Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the taco seasoning, and water until thoroughly combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Spread the pinto beans/refried beans to the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread the sour cream over the beans. Add in beef mixture and spread evenly.
- Evenly arrange the Fritos and sprinkle on the cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese on top has completely melted.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve as is or add any of the following toppings. Shredded lettuce, chopped fresh tomato, chopped fresh red onion, green onions, olives, sliced jalapenos, hot sauce, taco sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- Drain the Meat: After cooking the ground beef, drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from being greasy.
- Pick Your Beans: Pinto beans add texture, but refried beans create a creamier base. Choose what you love!
- Layer Evenly: Spread each layer evenly in the casserole dish to ensure every bite has a bit of everything.
- Customize the Cheese: Colby Jack is a classic, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work just as well.
- Add Toppings After Baking: Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and taco sauce are best added just before serving.
FAQs
Taco Casserole
Taco Casserole is a family favorite as it combines ground beef, onion, pepper, taco seasoning, beans, cheese, and sour cream that is then topped with Fritos. It is the perfect quick meal you are looking for on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef (80/20)
- 1 Medium Sized Onion, Diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, Seeded and Diced
- 2 Ounces Taco Seasoning
- ¼ Cup Water
- 10 Ounces Pinto Beans Or Refried Beans (Drain and Rinse If Using Canned Beans)
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Cup Fritos
- 2 Cups Colby Jack Cheese, Shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ and prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat, cook and break up the ground beef along with the onion and red bell pepper and onion until the ground beef is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat if necessary.
- Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the taco seasoning and water until completely combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Spread the pinto beans/refried beans to the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread the sour cream over the beans. Add in beef mixture and spread evenly.
- Evenly arrange the Fritos and sprinkle on the cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese on top has completely melted.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve as is or add any of the following toppings. Shredded lettuce, chopped fresh tomato, chopped fresh red onion, green onions, olives, sliced jalapenos, hot sauce, taco sauce.
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
