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Easy Taco Bake Casserole Recipe

Easy Taco Bake Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

This Easy Taco Bake Casserole is a delicious, family-friendly dish combining seasoned ground beef or turkey with tortillas, melted cheese, and zesty salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with toppings like sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade equivalent
  • 6–8 small tortillas or 4 cups tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup salsa

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings

  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • ½ cup sour cream for topping
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes for topping
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro for topping
  • ½ avocado sliced or diced for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning following the package instructions. Add a splash of water, mix well, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to evenly coat the meat with seasoning.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of tortillas or tortilla chips, overlapping slightly to cover the surface. Spoon half of the cooked meat mixture over this layer, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. If using, add black beans and corn at this stage. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, remaining meat, and cheese, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
  4. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes to set. Slice into portions and serve topped with your choice of diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced or diced avocado for added flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace meat with extra beans or sautéed vegetables.
  • Use homemade taco seasoning to reduce sodium content.
  • Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat covered in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco bake, casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, Mexican casserole, family meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://topreci.com/easy-taco-bake-casserole-recipe/