When you’re craving a bold, hearty meal that feels like a fiesta in every bite, this Ultimate Taco Casserole delivers. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family, combining all the classic taco flavors—spiced ground beef, gooey cheese, zesty salsa, and your favorite toppings—into one bubbling, satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole offers the perfect balance of comfort food and Tex-Mex flair.
What makes this dish even more irresistible is the generous topping of fresh ingredients like diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, black olives, and cilantro—adding a burst of color and freshness to every spoonful. Served with tortilla chips or a side salad, it’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular dinner into a mini celebration. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor—just what your busy dinner lineup needs.
Ingredients for The Ultimate Taco Casserole Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup salsa (your preferred level of heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 bag tortilla chips, slightly crushed
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning along with about 1/4 cup of water. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 2: Add Beans, Corn, and Salsa
To the seasoned beef, add the black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir everything together until evenly mixed and heated through. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors have a chance to blend. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of slightly crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. Spoon the beef mixture over the chips and spread it evenly. Sprinkle both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the top.
Step 4: Bake to Melt and Bubble
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Keep an eye on it so the edges don’t over-brown.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Immediately top it with diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, black olives, and freshly chopped cilantro. Let it cool slightly before serving—it’ll be easier to scoop and even more flavorful.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 830mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and substitutions used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without toppings) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
2. Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and corn.
3. What’s the best salsa to use?
Use your favorite! Chunky tomato salsa, roasted corn salsa, or even salsa verde can add unique flavors.
4. Can I add rice to this dish?
Definitely. Stir in 1 cup of cooked rice to the beef mixture for added bulk and texture.
5. Will tortilla chips get soggy?
Some softening occurs, but they hold their texture better than tortillas. For extra crunch, top with fresh chips after baking.
6. How spicy is this recipe?
That depends on your salsa and taco seasoning. Choose mild or spicy based on your taste preferences.
7. What toppings work well besides avocado and tomato?
Try green onions, jalapeño slices, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of sour cream or hot sauce.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or prepare two casseroles. Perfect for parties or meal prepping.
The Ultimate Taco Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this irresistible Ultimate Taco Casserole! Packed with layers of bold taco-seasoned beef, melty cheese, crunchy chips, and fresh toppings, this easy recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite tacos into one crowd-pleasing casserole dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy dinners, potlucks, or game day spreads. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas, comfort food favorites, or just some fresh dinner ideas, this dish is a guaranteed hit. The gooey cheese, savory meat, and refreshing toppings like avocado and tomato make it a warm, festive, and satisfying meal everyone will crave.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 cup salsa (your preferred level of heat)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 bag tortilla chips, slightly crushed
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1 large avocado, diced
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water to the beef. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Mix in the black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook for 2–3 more minutes.
- Spread crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the chips and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with avocado, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro.
- Serve warm with optional sour cream and extra chips if desired.