Beef Taco Casserole made with green chilis, black beans, salsa, sour cream all combined with ground beef, cheese & layered with flour tortillas!
We eat tacos a lot in our house, so it’s fun to mix it up a bit with this taco casserole! Layers of spiced beef, beans, green chilis, and tortillas, mixed with salsa, sour cream and cheese create a flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes; it’s a very versatile dinner!
Ingredients for Mexican Casserole
Beef: Using 1 lb. ground beef provides the main protein and a hearty base.
Taco seasoning: 1 oz taco seasoning adds the distinctive Mexican spice blend, infusing the beef with flavor. Feel free to use your favorite kind of taco seasoning in this recipe. You can make your own taco seasoning by combining equal parts garlic powder, salt, and chili ground cumin, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Chilis: For mild heat and a subtle tang, add 7-oz can of diced green chilis. If you have a lower spice tolerance then you can use half a can of diced green chilis or omit them all together.
Beans: You need one 15-oz can of black beans, drained, for fiber and a creamy texture that complements the meat.
Sour cream: 1 cup sour cream brings richness and a slight tang, tying the layers together.
Salsa: Add moisture and a fresh, zesty flavor with 2 cups salsa.
Tortillas: 12 flour tortillas act as a soft, sturdy layer to hold the casserole’s ingredients without overpowering them. We used traditional sized tortillas. You can use burrito size tortillas and get away with using 6-8.
Cheese: Using 3 cups Colby jack cheese is ideal for this casserole because it melts evenly and has a mild, buttery flavor that enhances without overpowering.
Tips for making a Taco Bake
- If you are looking for easy ways to modify or customize your taco lasagna, try adding diced red onion to your ground beef mixture. You can also use refried beans, olives, and sliced jalapenos in your layering ingredients.
- Letting your taco lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing it lets the sauce thicken a bit, making it easier to slice your lasagna without it falling apart as you serve it.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers of Taco Lasagna
You can store your taco casserole in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it tightly covered or slice it and store it in an airtight container. You can reheat a piece in the microwave covered with a paper towel. Reheat for about 60 seconds, or until the slice is warm in the middle.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
You can assemble the casserole fully and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
For freezing, assemble in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake first. Wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake as usual, adding 10–15 extra minutes to the cooking time if still slightly frozen in the center.
Beef Taco Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 7 oz can diced green chilis
- 15 oz can black beans drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups salsa
- 12 flour tortillas
- 3 cups colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook your ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until it is no longer pink in the middle. Use a spatula to break up the beef while it cooks and drain as much grease as you can once it is fully cooked.
- Add the taco seasoning, green chilis, and black beans to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir the ingredients together, letting the mixture continue cooking for 3-4 more minutes. Set aside.
- Add a few spoonfuls of salsa to the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Place 2 whole tortillas on the bottom of your pan and then cut 2 additional tortillas to fill the gaps. Top your tortillas with sour cream followed by salsa, half of the beef mixture and 1 cup of cheese.
- Repeat this process again. Top the second layer of beef with the remaining tortillas, a few more spoonfuls of salsa, and the remaining cheese.
- Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the taco lasagna rest on the counter for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy topped with shredded lettuce and additional salsa, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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What type of ground beef works best for this casserole?
Since you are going to drain the grease from the ground beef, you can use beef with any fat percentage.
Lean ground beef (90% or higher) can be used if you prefer less fat, but you may need to add a bit of oil during cooking to prevent dryness.
Can alternative cheeses be used in a beef taco casserole?
Yes, you can substitute Colby Jack with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. These alternatives melt well and provide similar taste profiles.
Avoid hard cheeses that do not melt easily, as well as extremely mild cheeses that may not add enough flavor.
Are there substitutions for sour cream for those with dietary restrictions?
Greek yogurt is a common substitute for sour cream, offering similar creaminess and tang but with higher protein and lower fat.
For dairy-free options, you can use cashew cream or coconut-based sour cream alternatives available in stores.
What are some variations to make a tortilla casserole spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the beef mixture for fresh heat. Use a salsa with extra heat or include a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to intensify the spice level.
Try more of our easy casserole dishes here:
- Cheesy Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, frozen hash browns, two kinds of cheese, and milk. It’s finished with a golden topping of crispy fried onions for the perfect crunchy bite!
- This Spinach Sausage Casserole is a flavorful, filling dish made with savory sausage, fresh spinach, eggs, stuffing, cheese, and milk. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings!
- Make a batch of Chili Cornbread Casserole for a flavorful dish! Made with ground beef, onions, black beans, and tomatoes. It’s baked with a golden layer of cornbread on top for the perfect comfort food dinner!
- Try our Slow Cooker Swiss Chicken Casserole for a cozy, comforting meal made with juicy chicken, creamy soup, melty Swiss cheese, and savory stuffing mix. It’s an easy slow cooker recipe perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners!
- Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole is an easy dinner made with tender chicken, hearty potatoes, fresh broccoli, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s great for busy weeknights!
Beef Taco Casserole is a flavorful layered dish made with seasoned ground beef, green chilis, black beans, salsa, sour cream, and plenty of melted cheese. Layered with soft flour tortillas, it’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner with all your favorite taco flavors!
kim says
do you mean diced green chilis that come in a 4oz can or do you mean rotel for this recipe?
Jessica says
I use the canned diced green chilis