Taco casserole is the weeknight hero you need. Seasoned beef. Beans. Cheese. Tortilla chips. All baked together. Top with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. No folding. No mess. All the flavor of taco night.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Cook Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned (5-7 minutes). Add garlic, cook 1 minute. Drain fat.
Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
Assemble Casserole
Spread 1½ cups crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the dish.
Top with beef mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
Top with remaining 1½ cups chips and remaining 1 cup cheese.
Bake
Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top & Serve
Let rest 5 minutes. Top with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and any other toppings. Serve hot.
Summary
Prep Time: 15 min | Bake Time: 20 min | Total: 35 min
Yield: 6-8 servings | Difficulty: Easy
Storage Notes
Fridge: 4 days. Freezer: 3 months (without fresh toppings). Reheat in oven or microwave. Add fresh toppings after reheating. Great for meal prep — make the base and freeze, then add chips and cheese before baking.
