Taco Casserole with Tortillas

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Taco Casserole with Tortillas is the answer! This dish combines all the classic taco flavors you love—seasoned ground beef, salsa, cheese, and crispy tortillas—into one delicious, baked casserole. It’s like a taco in casserole form, and trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be a regular on your dinner table. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s sure to please the whole family. Get ready to dig in!

Why You’ll Love Taco Casserole with Tortillas

Super Simple:

This casserole is so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen, and the best part? It’s a one-dish wonder, so cleanup is a breeze!

All the Taco Flavors:

Craving tacos but don’t feel like putting them together one by one? This casserole brings all those familiar taco flavors in a super satisfying way. It’s like taco night, but better—because you get more cheese and more of everything you love.

Comforting and Filling:

This casserole is hearty and filling, with layers of seasoned meat, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd.

Customizable:

Want to make it spicier? Add some jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer to go meatless? Simply swap the ground beef for beans or a veggie alternative. This dish is super versatile and easy to tweak based on your preferences.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering Taco Casserole with Tortillas:

Ground Beef:

This is the base of your casserole. Ground beef adds a savory, hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with the taco seasoning and other ingredients.

Tortillas:

You’ll need some flour or corn tortillas to layer between the beef and cheese. The tortillas crisp up beautifully as the casserole bakes, adding a lovely texture.

Taco Seasoning:

This is where all the taco flavor comes from! You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

Salsa:

A good salsa adds a nice tangy flavor to the dish. You can use mild or spicy salsa depending on your taste preference.

Cheddar Cheese:

You can’t have a taco casserole without cheese! Shredded cheddar gives that melty, gooey goodness that’s so irresistible.

Sour Cream:

A dollop of sour cream on top before serving adds a creamy, cool contrast to the spice and richness of the casserole.

Onion and Garlic:

Sautéed onion and garlic bring depth of flavor to the beef mixture and make the casserole even more aromatic.

Olive Oil:

For sautéing the beef and vegetables, a little bit of olive oil helps everything cook up nicely.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s jump right in!

1. Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the Flavors:

To the cooked beef, add the taco seasoning, onion, garlic, and salsa. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Layer the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the tortillas, tearing them into pieces to fit. Then, spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Repeat the Layers:

Top the beef and cheese with another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining beef mixture and more cheese. You should have two layers of beef and cheese, with tortillas in between.

5. Bake:

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve:

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Top each portion with a dollop of sour cream, and enjoy your cheesy, flavorful taco casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 420 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown per serving:

• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 22g

(Note: These values are based on standard ingredients used. Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Taco Casserole with Tortillas

With Mexican Rice:

Serve this casserole with a side of fluffy Mexican rice for the ultimate taco-inspired meal.

With Refried Beans:

Pair it with some creamy refried beans to round out the Mexican flavors. They’re the perfect side to balance out the richness of the casserole.

With Guacamole:

Guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser! Serve a bowl of homemade guac alongside this casserole for a fresh, creamy addition.

With a Simple Salad:

A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully to cut through the richness of the casserole.

With Tortilla Chips:

Serve with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for a little extra crunch and an easy way to scoop up any extra casserole sauce.

Additional Tips

Make It Spicy:

If you like your food with a kick, try adding chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top.

Use Corn Tortillas:

For a more authentic taco casserole, you can swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas. They add a slightly different texture but are just as delicious.

Add Veggies:

Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra color and nutrients.

Make It Vegetarian:

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, swap out the beef for black beans or lentils and use a plant-based cheese for a delicious alternative.

Leftovers:

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven, and it’ll taste just as good as the first time around!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?

A1: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken would work great as a leaner alternative to beef. You can also use a meatless option like black beans or lentils.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it as instructed.

Q3: Can I freeze Taco Casserole?

A3: Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven until warmed through.

Q4: Can I add more cheese?

A4: Yes, definitely! Add extra cheese for an even cheesier casserole. You can also mix in some Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.

Q5: Can I use whole wheat tortillas?

A5: Yes, whole wheat tortillas will work just fine in this casserole. They’ll add a bit more fiber to the dish, making it a slightly healthier option.

Q6: What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

A6: You can make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. It’s a great homemade alternative!

Q7: Can I use sour cream in the casserole itself?

A7: Sour cream is best used as a topping for serving. If you want to make it extra creamy, try adding some cream cheese to the beef mixture instead.

Q8: Can I use a different kind of cheese?

A8: Yes, cheddar is delicious, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.

Q9: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A9: Yes, just swap the tortillas for gluten-free varieties, and you’re good to go!

Q10: Can I make this casserole in a smaller pan?

A10: Yes, you can use a smaller pan, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size.

Conclusion

Taco Casserole with Tortillas is the ultimate weeknight dinner: cheesy, savory, and packed with all the taco goodness you crave. It’s easy to make, super customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy the flavors of taco night in one convenient casserole—perfect for busy days when you need a comforting, satisfying meal!

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