Easy Taco Casserole

Everyone's favorite night is taco night, and this taco casserole is sure to please the whole family. Cheddar cheese, beef, and tortillas bake together for a perfectly layered casserole full of classic taco flavors. Fire-roasted tomatoes give the usual mix of ground beef and taco seasonings a big punch of flavor, pinto beans provide extra richness, and lettuce and pico de gallo cool it all down.

Learn how to make taco casserole. The best part? It's ready to dig into in under 30 minutes.

How To Make Easy Taco Casserole

This satisfying meal will be on the table in under 30 minutes. Here's a brief recap of how to make taco casserole, but the full recipe is below.

• Step 1. Cook the meat: Brown the meat in a large skillet. Add half the onion and cook until softened. Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water; stir to combine. Add beans and tomatoes and simmer until slightly reduced.
• Step 2. Layer casserole: Heat tortillas for a few seconds to warm, then place three into an 8-inch square baking dish. Top with beef, then cheese; repeat for two more layers.
• Step 3. Bake casserole: Bake until cheese is melted, 8 minutes. Top with lettuce, pico de gallo, and remaining onion before serving.

Ingredients for Easy Taco Casserole

To make this Easy Taco Casserole, you'll need:

• Canola oil: For browning the ground beef and onion.
• Ground sirloin: Look for ground beef that's around 90% lean with 10% fat.
• Red onion: Note you'll cook half the onion with the beef, with the remaining reserved for topping; you may not need it all!
• Fire-roasted tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes give an extra punch of flavor to this casserole, but standard or diced tomatoes with chilies or other additions can be used in their place.
• Pinto beans: Can be swapped with black beans if preferred.
• Taco seasoning: Feel free to grab that store-bought seasoning, but you can also control or amp up the heat by making your own!
• Corn tortillas: Can be swapped for flour tortillas; but note they won't hold up as well during baking. For perfect layers, choose a hefty corn tortilla, such as La Tortilla Factory brand, which will retain its texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Can also use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mexican blend.
• Iceberg lettuce: Provides a fresh, crunchy topping to the rich casserole.
• Pico de gallo: Grab a jar of pico de gallo, or make your own with a quick mix of diced tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, salt, and lime juice.

How To Store Taco Casserole

Keep leftovers well wrapped in the fridge up to four days.

To Freeze: Assemble and freeze up to one month, then defrost in the refrigerator overnight and bake before serving.

What To Serve With Easy Taco Casserole

This casserole is a full meal all on its own. If serving as part of a larger meal, a side of rice, corn, quacamole, or a light salad are all great additions.

Want more topping variety? Add small bowls of sliced olives, sour cream, Mexican crema, jalapeños, avocados, or any other desired toppings to the table and let your guests choose their own adventure.