If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing, and downright irresistible Tex-Mex dinner, look no further than this Taco Casserole with Tortillas. Imagine golden layers of soft tortillas, hearty spiced beef, creamy beans, zesty tomatoes, and melty cheese all baked together with your favorite toppings. This casserole brings the festive flavors of taco night to your table in an ultra-cozy, weeknight-friendly bake that’s practically made for seconds!

Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Taco Casserole with Tortillas is the short list of wholesome, colorful ingredients. Each one has its own role—whether that’s building the layers, packing in flavor, or adding the eye-catching finishing touches.

Ground beef: The flavorful base for the casserole—choose 80/20 for a little extra richness, or swap for turkey or chicken to lighten things up.
Onion: Adds sweetness, savoriness, and an irresistible aroma as it cooks with the beef.
Garlic: A must for depth and classic taco flavor; fresh is best for a fragrant punch.
Taco seasoning: The easiest way to deliver that signature Tex-Mex kick—grab a packet or use your homemade mix.
Water: Helps the spices cling to the meat and create a tasty, cohesive filling.
Black beans: Bulk up the casserole and add creaminess and plant-based goodness (don’t forget to rinse them!).
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Offer tang, juiciness, and just the right amount of heat—no draining required.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey magic that ties everything together; feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for more flair.
Small flour or corn tortillas: The classic layers—choose flour for a tender bite, or go with corn for a gluten-free option and a little rustic flavor.
Salsa: For extra punch on top; use your favorite jarred or homemade variety and adjust the spice level as you like.
Sour cream: That final cooling, creamy swirl on every serving. Greek yogurt is a solid alternative, too!
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): For a fresh, herby finish that brings all the flavors to life.

How to Make Taco Casserole with Tortillas

Step 1: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this’ll ensure nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the beef is nicely browned, crumbly, and the onion turns soft. This base will build delicious flavor right from the start. If there’s any extra grease, just drain it off so things don’t get too heavy.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the beef mixture, then pour in the water. Stir well and let it cook for a couple of minutes until the spices coat the meat evenly and you’re left with a thick, aromatic filling. This step guarantees each bite of your Taco Casserole with Tortillas is fully loaded with bold flavor.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Fold in the rinsed black beans and the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Stir to combine, letting everything get friendly in the pan. This not only adds heartiness and a subtle heat but also adds great color to every layer.

Step 4: Layer Tortillas, Beef Mixture, and Cheese

Now for the fun part! Place two tortillas (tear as needed) to cover the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon over a third of the beef mixture, spreading it to the edges, then sprinkle with a generous third of the cheese. Repeat this process twice more, ending with a glorious blanket of cheese on top. Layering is key for that signature Taco Casserole with Tortillas texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, locking in all the flavor and moisture. Take off the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and browns at the edges. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes, which helps it slice up nice and clean.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Enjoy

Before serving, generously spoon salsa all over the top, dollop with cold sour cream, and finish with a sprinkle of bright cilantro if you like. Your Taco Casserole with Tortillas is now fiesta-ready!

How to Serve Taco Casserole with Tortillas

Garnishes

Go all out on toppings to amp up both flavor and presentation. A shower of fresh cilantro, extra salsa, sliced green onions, and creamy avocado slices are all perfect for dressing up your casserole. Even a squeeze of lime finishes it off with a little zing!

Side Dishes

When you serve Taco Casserole with Tortillas, round out the meal with classic sides: think Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp corn salad. A big pot of elote (Mexican street corn) or even a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette add the perfect, refreshing balance to the warm, savory casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your plating! Cut the casserole into tidy squares for a classic family-style vibe, or serve scoops of the casserole in individual bowls for a casual taco-bowl effect. If you’re entertaining, try offering a toppings bar so guests can pile on their favorites—making your Taco Casserole with Tortillas the talk of the party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let your Taco Casserole with Tortillas cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—it tastes just as wonderful (maybe even more so!) the next day.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble the entire casserole but stop before baking, then wrap tightly in a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a fuss-free dinner, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as you normally would.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat Taco Casserole with Tortillas is to bake covered at 350°F until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. Individual servings can be microwaved in a pinch; just cover with a damp paper towel so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a traditional flavor and make this dish naturally gluten-free. Just be gentle when layering as they’re more delicate than flour tortillas.

How can I make this casserole spicy?

To add extra heat, use a spicier salsa, add sliced jalapeños between layers, or sprinkle in crushed red pepper. You can also use Pepper Jack cheese for a little more kick.

Can I make Taco Casserole with Tortillas vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and double the black beans for an even heartier, meatless version that absolutely satisfies.

What should I do if my casserole gets too watery?

If your finished casserole is a bit runny, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—it helps the layers set. Draining extra liquid from ingredients like tomatoes and beans before assembling can also help.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes! Diced bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or even spinach are delicious additions. Sauté any extra veggies with the beef and onions for maximum flavor and color.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for a busy week, or throwing a casual get-together, this Taco Casserole with Tortillas will be your new go-to. It’s easy, filling, and a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table. Try it once, and you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation before you know it!

Taco Casserole with Tortillas Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious Taco Casserole with layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas, baked to perfection. Topped with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, this easy-to-make dish is a crowd-pleaser for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 small flour or corn tortillas
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning and water. Cook until thickened. Stir in black beans and Rotel tomatoes.
Layer Casserole: Place tortillas in the baking dish, then layer with beef mixture and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Let rest, then top with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro before serving.