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Easy Taco Casserole: Quick, Flavorful, and Crowd-Pleasing

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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

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.

taco casserole

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.

taco casserole

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.
taco casserole

FAQs

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and freeze it unbaked. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350℉ for 45-50 minutes or until heated through.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

taco casserole
taco casserole long pin
taco casserole
taco casserole

Taco Casserole

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. 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. 
  3. Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the taco seasoning and water until completely combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  4. 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.
  5. Evenly arrange the Fritos and sprinkle on the cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese on top has completely melted.
  7. 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.

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