This Easy Taco Casserole is a family favorite — a simple, satisfying way to upgrade taco night. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together quickly and delivers big flavor.
One-Pot Meals
This taco casserole is made entirely in one pan — ideally a cast-iron skillet. You can brown the meat and soften the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer the skillet to the oven to finish. It’s minimal cleanup with maximum comfort.
For casseroles we like to make a balanced meal in a single dish: protein, vegetables, and a crunchy grain component (in this recipe, tortilla chips). And of course a generous layer of melted cheese ties everything together.
How to Make Taco Casserole
This easy taco casserole takes only a few simple steps and under an hour from start to finish.
Sauté the Ground Beef
Place 1 lb. 85% ground beef in a large cast-iron pan. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until partially cooked, then remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Bell Pepper
Using the fat left in the pan, sauté 1/2 small minced yellow onion and 1 large finely diced red pepper for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Combine and Layer
Add the beef back to the pan, then stir in 1 (4.5-oz.) can green chiles, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup salsa. Sauté 1–2 more minutes until the mixture bubbles. Turn off the heat and evenly layer 1 (15-oz.) can rinsed black beans, 1 (15-oz.) can rinsed sweet corn, and 2–4 cups tortilla chips over the mixture. Top with 8 oz. shredded Mexican cheese.
Bake Until Cheese Melts
Bake at 350ºF for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
What to Serve with Taco Casserole
This casserole is hearty on its own, but these taco-night toppers add freshness and brightness:
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Fresh cilantro
- A squeeze of lime
More of our favorite
Taco-Inspired Recipes
- Easy Ground Beef Tacos
- Beef Taco Bowls
- Shredded Chicken Tacos
- Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Easy Taco Casserole
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. 85% ground beef
- 1/2 small yellow onion, minced
- 1 large red pepper, finely diced
- 1 4.5-oz. can green chiles
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and strained
- 1 15-oz. can sweet corn, rinsed and strained
- 2-4 cups tortilla chips
- 8 oz. Mexican shredded cheese
Instructions
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Place ground beef in a large cast-iron pan and sauté for 3–5 minutes to partially cook. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In the beef grease, sauté the yellow onion and red pepper for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
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Return the beef to the pan. Add green chiles, taco seasoning, and salsa. Sauté 1–2 minutes until the mixture bubbles.
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Turn off the burner. Layer black beans, sweet corn, and tortilla chips over the beef mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
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Bake at 350ºF for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Notes
- Casserole dish: If you don’t have a cast-iron pan, cook the meat in a skillet and then transfer everything to a casserole dish to assemble and bake.
- This recipe was updated on August 1, 2020.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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This recipe is straightforward: combine cooked meat and vegetables, mix in the seasonings, layer beans, corn, and chips, top with cheese, and bake. The result is a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole.