This Taco Tuesday Casserole is warm, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. It bakes up golden on top and soft in the middle. The smell alone makes everyone wander into the kitchen. This is one of those easy casseroles for dinner that feels fun but takes very little effort. You mix simple ingredients, bake, and scoop. Perfect for busy nights, lazy dinners, or when you want a meal that makes everyone smile. If you love baked casserole recipes that feel cozy and satisfying, this one deserves a spot on your weekly menu.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro
Step By Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well. Cook for one more minute.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the black beans, corn, cooked rice, and salsa.
- Fold in the sour cream gently until everything is coated and creamy.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips, then sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not skip draining the beans and corn. Extra liquid can make the casserole soggy. Avoid overbaking since the cheese can dry out. Use cooked rice, not raw rice, or it will not soften properly. Also, taste your salsa before adding salt since some are already salty.
Tips For Success
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Pre cook your rice earlier in the day to save time. This recipe works well for cheap dinners for a family because you can stretch the meat with beans and rice. If you like a little heat, add chopped jalapenos. For a milder version, use a gentle salsa and less seasoning.
How To Serve
Serve this Taco Tuesday Casserole with a simple green salad or sliced avocado. A spoonful of extra sour cream on top is always welcome. This dish also pairs well with quick dinner ideas like roasted veggies or a simple fruit bowl. If you enjoy ground beef casseroles, you may also like this Mexican ground beef casserole with rice for another cozy dinner option.
Flavor Add In Ideas
Add diced green chiles for a Chile Relleno Casserole style twist. Stir in a little cream cheese for extra richness. Swap black beans for pinto beans if you prefer. You can even add chopped bell peppers for color and crunch. These small changes make this one of those easy casserole dishes you never get bored with.
Taco Tuesday Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Remove from heat. Stir in black beans, corn, cooked rice, and salsa.
- Gently fold in sour cream until creamy and well mixed.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips, then sprinkle cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Add optional toppings as desired.
Notes
Make Ahead And Storage
This casserole can be assembled up to one day ahead and stored in the fridge. Cover tightly and bake when ready. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It is also freezer friendly, which makes it great for healthy casserole recipes when you want meals ready to go.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can turn this into one of those dump and go crockpot dinners. Brown the beef first, then add everything except chips and cheese. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, add toppings at the end.
Is this kid friendly?
Yes, this is one of those kid friendly dinners that is easy to adjust. Use mild seasoning and let kids add their own toppings.
What can I use instead of rice?
You can use cauliflower rice for a lighter option or crushed tortilla chips for texture. This keeps it flexible for different dinner ideas casserole nights.
Conclusion
This Taco Tuesday Casserole is simple, filling, and full of comfort. It fits right in with lazy dinners, easy casseroles for dinner, and quick dinner ideas when time is short. If you love meals like this, you might also enjoy a cozy sheet pan ground beef pot pie, a flavorful southwest ground beef skillet with sweet potatoes, or even ground beef Philly cheesesteaks for something fun. Save this recipe, share it on Pinterest, and make your next Taco Tuesday easy and delicious.