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A slice of Mexican Casserole on a white plate with a fork.

Taco Casserole

Course: Beef, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: mexican casserole, taco casserole
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 755kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Taco Casserole is a great make-ahead or freezer meal to spice up your rotation. Plus, it's easy to customize and make it your own!
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds (1kg) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 (10-15ounce) (282-425g) cans red enchilada sauce (OR 2½-3⅓ homemade enchilada sauce)
  • 1 (15 ounce) (439g) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (4 ounce) (113g) can chopped green chiles
  • 18 corn tortillas
  • 4 cups (450g) shredded colby jack cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish, set aside.
  • In a large skillet brown the ground beef with the onion, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until no longer pink. Drain any extra grease. Stir in the enchilada sauce, beans, and green chiles.
  • Place 6 tortillas in the bottom of prepared pan. Top with ⅓ of the meat mixture and ⅓ of the shredded cheese. Repeat this process 2 more times for a total of 3 layers.
  • Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or cheese is melted and casserole is hot and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. You can replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey.
  2. Replace the dried seasonings with a packet of your favorite taco seasoning. However, I prefer to use my own stated in the recipe. I find it has more flavor.
  3. Replace the pinto beans for black beans or another favorite bean.
  4. Feel free to add more vegetables. Corn and shredded zucchini are 2 great options.
  5. MAKE-AHEAD: You can assemble this casserole 24 hours in advance. Cover with foil and store in the refrigerator. Remove from the fridge 20 minutes before baking and remove the foil. You may need to add 15 minutes to your bake time.
  6. FREEZER FRIENDLY: Cool completely after assembly. Cover well with foil and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator 24 hours in advance. Remove from the fridge 20 minutes before baking and remove the foil. You may need to add 15 minutes to your bake time.
  7. Nutrition Facts: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.
SERVING SUGGESTION
  • A simple side salad
  • All the toppings! Sour cream, tomatoes, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Calories: 755kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 676mg | Fiber: 13g | Calcium: 531mg | Iron: 5mg