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This taco casserole recipe is one of the easiest and most delicious Mexican casseroles you’ll ever make! This layered casserole features seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cream cheese, and salsa baked in the oven and topped with your favorite taco toppings for a Taco Tuesday rendition the whole family will love.
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In the south, there are few things as exciting as a new casserole recipe.
Casserole has been the backbone of the American family for decades. Don’t know what to cook for dinner? A casserole is probably a good idea. A friend just had a baby? Clearly, she needs a casserole. Church potluck? Definitely calls for a casserole.
The only trouble is the further you inch your way into the crunchy world, the less you can enjoy the mystery casserole at the church potluck because it probably contains a congealed “cream of nightmare” soup or processed cheese.
I tend to stick with cleaner casseroles like our quinoa enchilada casserole and million-dollar spaghetti. They’re still layered with cheese and ground beef and baked to perfection, but I can pronounce all of the ingredients because it’s made with, well, ingredients.
All of that aside, this taco casserole recipe comes to us all the way from the Dominican Republic.
My friend Ille recently moved here from the DR to be my friend and make me this taco casserole recipe.
She actually moved here to marry the love of her life and became my friend as a happy addition, but that’s neither here nor there.
The point is, we have a new taco casserole recipe. I’ve made taco casseroles in the past, and they were perfectly fine. But this one is different. It’s special. It’s amazing.
Have you ever had a taco casserole with refried beans instead of rice? Me neither, but it makes all the difference.
Refried beans make the casserole extra creamy without overpowering the meat and cheese like snooty patooty rice. Plus, the whole thing is stuffed with cream cheese. Cream. Cheese.
What’s better than cream cheese? Literally nothing.
I had to use dairy-free cream cheese this go around because we learned that my son is allergic to everything under the sun, but even the dairy-free cream cheese worked in this taco casserole recipe!
Have I sold you on trying it yet? Allow me to tell you all about it.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Casserole Recipe
- This taco casserole recipe is quick and easy to prepare with no fussy steps or ingredients.
- Layers of seasoned beef, beans, salsa, and cheese create bold taco flavor in every bite while being simple enough for a quick weeknight meal.
- It uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand (score!).
- The casserole feeds a crowd and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Leftovers reheat well, making it great for meal prep.
What Is Taco Casserole?
Taco casserole is a baked dish that combines classic taco ingredients like seasoned ground beef, beans, salsa, and cheese in layered form. Instead of assembling individual tacos, everything is baked together in one pan to create a hearty, scoopable meal that’s perfect for little ones and potlucks.
This taco casserole recipe keeps things simple while still delivering the bold flavors of traditional tacos. The layers bake together until the cheese melts and the filling becomes rich and creamy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This taco casserole recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious, hearty meal the whole family will love. All you need is:
- Ground beef – The savory base of the casserole.
- Olive oil – Used for browning the meat.
- Taco seasoning – Adds classic taco flavor to the beef and beans. For homemade seasoning, check out our How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning guide!
- Refried beans – Create a creamy layer that helps hold the casserole together.
- Cream cheese – Adds richness and a smooth texture.
- Salsa – Brings acidity and moisture to balance the dish. You can use store-bought or our Homemade Salsa with Canned Tomatoes!
- Shredded cheese – Melts on top for a bubbly, cheesy finish.
How to Make this Taco Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with oil.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
Step 3: Season the meat. When the beef is about halfway cooked, add 6 tablespoons of taco seasoning and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Step 4: Prepare the refried beans. In a bowl, stir together the refried beans and the remaining 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole. Spread half of the refried bean mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the softened cream cheese over the beans and gently spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the cooked taco meat over the cream cheese. Spread 1½ cups of salsa evenly over the meat. Repeat the layers with the remaining refried beans, cream cheese, taco meat, salsa, and finish with the shredded cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Finish baking uncovered. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, then top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, guacamole, or your favorite taco toppings.
Tips for the Best Taco Casserole Recipe
- Use softened cream cheese, so it spreads easily between layers.
- Cover the casserole dish for the first 20 minutes of cooking so the cheese doesn’t burn.
- Drain excess grease from the ground beef so the casserole doesn’t become oily.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so the layers set slightly.
Taco Casserole Variations to Try
This taco casserole recipe is easy to customize:
- Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a little heat.
- Stir in diced green chiles for more flavor.
What to Serve With Taco Casserole
This taco casserole recipe pairs well with a variety of simple sides.
- Mexican rice
- Warm gluten free flour tortillas or sourdough tortillas
- Tortilla chips
- A fresh green salad
- Cilantro lime rice
- Corn on the cob
- Guacamole
FAQs about Taco Casserole Recipe
Can I make this Taco Casserole Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this taco casserole dairy-free, simply switch to dairy-free cream cheese and cheese, or omit the cheeses altogether.
Can I make taco casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this taco casserole recipe can easily be prepared ahead of time! Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze taco casserole?
Yes, this taco casserole freezes well. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What kind of meat works best for taco casserole?
Ground beef is most commonly used in taco casserole recipes, but ground turkey or ground chicken also work well. These lighter options still absorb the taco seasoning and create delicious flavor.
Taco Casserole Recipe (Easy & Baked)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 2 16 oz cans refried beans
- 3 cups salsa, divided (see note 1)
- 2 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened
- 8 tbs taco seasoning, divided (see note 2)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with oil.
- Cook the ground beef. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
- Season the meat. When the beef is about halfway cooked, add 6 tablespoons of taco seasoning and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Prepare the beans. In a bowl, stir together the refried beans and the remaining 2 tablespoons taco seasoning until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:Spread half of the refried bean mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.Dollop half of the softened cream cheese over the beans and gently spread it into an even layer.Sprinkle half of the cooked taco meat over the cream cheese.Spread 1½ cups of salsa evenly over the meat.Repeat the layers with the remaining refried beans, cream cheese, taco meat, and salsa, and finish with the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, guacamole, or your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
- Check out our Homemade Salsa with Canned Tomatoes recipe!
- For homemade seasoning, check out our How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning guide!
Your Family will Love this Taco Casserole Recipe
Whether you’re leery of mystery casseroles or here for all the “ingredients,” you’re going to love this taco casserole! You simply cannot beat seasoned ground beef layered with refried beans and cheese, especially when you top it with sour cream and guacamole. Next time you need a casserole for a get-together or postpartum friend, this will be the one you reach for. Happy baking!
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