Taco Casserole Recipe (Easy & Baked)
This taco casserole recipe is an easy, family-friendly dinner packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, salsa, and melted cheese layered together and baked until bubbly. With classic taco flavors and simple pantry ingredients, this hearty casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and makes a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
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!