Taco Casserole Recipe (2024)

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This taco casserole recipe is like a taco salad in casserole form! This taco bake is perfect for dinner or your next potluck.

For more Mexican casseroles try Beef Enchilada Casserole, Mexican Casserole, or Chicken Enchilada Casserole!

Taco Casserole Recipe (1)

We Love Easy!

Taco Salad is a classic dinner recipe and this taco casserole recipe is a tasty twist. It has all the great flavor of taco salad making it a Mexican dinner staple that we love!

Why we love it:

  • Make it your own. Add all the ingredients you love, but we usually add sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and olives! Try topping it off with a delicious Taco Salad Dressing!
  • An easy dinner. Casseroles are the ultimate solution for weeknight family dinners and potlucks!
  • Quick prep time. Just layer and bake for a filling meal that is on the table in about 40 minutes!
Taco Casserole Recipe (2)
Taco Casserole Recipe (3)

Ingredients

  • ground beef or use ground turkey or ground chicken
  • taco seasoning sprinkle in some cumin, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or chili powder for extra flavor.
  • largeeggs
  • milk
  • biscuit/baking mix – in place of biscuit mix, try cornbread mix
  • black pepper
  • sour cream
  • chopped lettuce
  • chopped tomato
  • shredded cheddar cheese Mexican blend cheese, Colby, or Monterey jack cheese
  • black olives
Taco Casserole Recipe (4)
Taco Casserole Recipe (5)

How to Make Taco Casserole

  1. GROUND BEEF. Cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, drain, and add the Taco Seasoning. Spread the meat on the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish.
  2. BISCUIT LAYER. Beat the eggs, milk, biscuit mix, and pepper until well combined, and pour over ground beef. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  3. TOPPINGS. Let it cool for a few minutes, and then spread on sour cream. Top with your desired toppings. We do shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, and black olives.

More toppings. Other toppings include Pico de Gallo, sliced avocados, Refried Beans, green onions, black beans, Salsa, Guacamole, or fresh cilantro.

Taco Casserole Recipe (6)

Recipe Tips

  • For later meals. Keep leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days, or in the freezer for 4-6 months.
    • When I’m thinking ahead, I make a large batch of taco meat (several pounds), divide it into 1 pound portions, and freeze it.
    • The Taco Beef mixture can be used to make meals like Taco Pasta Shells, Taco Pie, and of course this taco casserole.
  • Variations. Mix black beans, bell peppers, or corn into the ground beef mixture.
  • Serving suggestions. Pair this casserole with Spanish Rice, Tortilla Chips & Salsa, Loaded Nachos, or Chili’s Salsa.
Taco Casserole Recipe (7)

Storage Tips

  • Make ahead of time. Let baked biscuit/meat cool and cover. Prepare the toppings and store them in separate containers.
    • Store all ingredients in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To serve, heat the biscuit/meat mix in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Layer remaining ingredients per recipe instructions.
  • STORE. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 days.
    • Remove the topping as best you can. Place the desired serving in the microwave for 30-second increments until hot. Heat it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes depending on the amount. Once hot, place the lettuce topping mix back on and enjoy!
  • FREEZE. Wrap cooled casserole in plastic wrap then again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
    • Thaw and bake uncovered in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Layer remaining ingredients per recipe instructions.
Taco Casserole Recipe (8)

For More Mexican Casseroles:

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

1 hr

Recipe Video

Mexican Casserole

1 hr

Beef Enchilada Casserole

50 mins

Recipe Video

Chile Relleno Casserole

40 mins

Recipe Video

Taco Casserole Recipe (13)

Taco Casserole Recipe (14)

5 from 108 votes

Taco Casserole Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna

This taco casserole recipe is like a taco salad in casserole form! This taco bake is perfect for dinner or your next potluck.

Servings: 8

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 35 minutes mins

Total: 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 (1-ounce) packets taco seasoning
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cups milk
  • 1 ¼ cups biscuit / baking mix
  • dash black pepper
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups chopped lettuce
  • ¾ – 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • olives

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.

  • Cook beef over medium heat in a large skillet until no longer pink. Drain meat, add taco seasoning, and prepare according to package directions.

  • Add meat to a greased 9×13 baking dish and set aside.

  • Beat eggs and milk in a large bowl. Stir in one and a quarter cup biscuit mix and pepper, and mix until combined well. Pour over meat and bake until golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).

  • Let cool for a few minutes and then spread on sour cream.

  • Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and olives. Serve warm and ENJOY!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 562kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Cholesterol: 213mg, Sodium: 569mg, Potassium: 474mg, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 660IU, Vitamin C: 0.7mg, Calcium: 317mg, Iron: 3.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Making this recipe? Tag us!

Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Categorized as: Beef, Casserole, Cuisines, Main Dishes, Mexican Recipes, Recipes

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

More About Kristyn

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Taco Casserole Recipe (20)

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Taco Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is John Wayne casserole made of? ›

That's right, the iconic John Wayne Casserole is named after none other than the actor himself. Typically, you'll find that most recipes call for refrigerated biscuits or Bisquick, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, sour cream, mayonnaise, ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and Cheddar cheese.

What can I use leftover taco shells for? ›

7 Ways To Utilize Leftover Taco Shells and Flour Tortillas
  1. Nachos. Break the taco shells and create delicious nachos with cheese, beans, olives, guacamole and other fan-favorite ingredients. ...
  2. Breakfast Tacos. ...
  3. Salad Topping. ...
  4. Chicken Quesadillas. ...
  5. Tortilla Pinwheels. ...
  6. Tortilla Pizza. ...
  7. Cinnamon And Sugar Tortilla Chips.
Aug 13, 2022

How do you reheat frozen breakfast casserole? ›

If you want to freeze the casserole and reheat

Pre-bake the casserole as instructed above, then cool to room temperature and cover tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, then reheat in a 350 F oven for 1 hour. Uncover and bake for 30 minutes more, until completely warmed through and browned on top.

How hot should a casserole be? ›

Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
ProductMinimum Internal Temperature & Rest Time
Eggs160 °F (71.1 °C)
Fish & Shellfish145 °F (62.8 °C)
Leftovers165 °F (73.9 °C)
Casseroles165 °F (73.9 °C)
6 more rows
May 11, 2020

What is Jackie Kennedy casserole? ›

A seemingly simple, tender noodle dish with plenty of cheesy, tangy flavor, and the refreshing garden sharpness of chives, Jackie Kennedy's Special Casserole is delicate and hearty at the same time, heartwarmingly homemade yet delightfully classic.

What is the oldest known casserole? ›

Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

What can you use instead of taco shells for tacos? ›

Try one of our 10 creative ideas for tasty alternatives to traditional taco shells.
  • PUT TACOS IN PITA POCKETS. ...
  • GRILL GLUTEN-FREE TACO SHELLS. ...
  • WRAP UP HEALTHY TACOS. ...
  • TRANSFORM CHEDDAR INTO SHELLS. ...
  • PARMESAN IS PERFECT TOO. ...
  • COOK UP SHREDDED CARROT SHELLS. ...
  • ROLL OUT FRESH SPINACH SHELLS. ...
  • CREATE CAULIFLOWER TACO SHELLS.
Jun 7, 2023

Should you refrigerate taco shells? ›

It's important to store your tortillas at a steady temperature. Room temperature tends to vary from home to home, so we recommend refrigeration to help maintain freshness. Just remember to bring the tortillas back to room temperature before use.

Why is my breakfast casserole soggy? ›

Incorrect oven temperature - Casseroles that are baked at an oven temperature that is too low may not cook evenly, resulting in a soggy top and a firm or crunchy bottom. Too much liquid - Casseroles that have too much liquid may not be able to absorb all of the moisture, leading to a soggy top.

Why do you have to refrigerate breakfast casserole overnight? ›

The casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the liquid ingredients to be absorbed into the bread. This is a perishable mixture and should be cooked the morning or day after assembly. Bake in an oven set no lower than 325 °F. Most recipes suggest 350 °F.

Is it better to freeze a breakfast casserole cooked or uncooked? ›

The answer depends on what's in it. Casseroles with raw protein (meat, poultry, seafood) should be completely cooked before freezing. However dishes with pre-cooked meats or no meat are fine to go in the freezer uncooked.

Do I bake my casserole covered or uncovered? ›

Uncovering the foods promotes browning and crisping, and reduces the amount of liquid in the finished dish. If a casserole looks soupy when it's ready to bake, bake it uncovered unless the ingredients include pasta or rice, which absorb liquid.

Can you put raw meat in a casserole? ›

Always Cook Meat Before Adding

Don't add raw meat to a casserole.

What is the key to making a good casserole? ›

  1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
  2. Undercook your pasta. ...
  3. Drain your meat. ...
  4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
  5. Know your cheeses. ...
  6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
  7. Don't skip the topping. ...
  8. Make it now, but bake it later.
Nov 1, 2021

Why do they call it a John Wayne casserole? ›

John Wayne first wrote the casserole recipe, but it looks a little different today. John Wayne Casserole was first popularized by the 1979 cookbook, "Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends," a collection of different celebrities' favorite dishes.

What is the main ingredient in a casserole? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

What are casserole dishes made of? ›

“A casserole dish and a baking dish are the same thing, an oven-safe piece of cookware, usually made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass,” says Anthony Contrino, Emmy-awarded culinary producer and food stylist. "They can come in various shapes, with the most common being rectangular, oval, or square.

What was the original casserole? ›

Casserole history

Apparently, casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals. The oldest recipe for a casserole, around 1250, consisted of pasta sheets cooked in water, layered with grated cheese and spices.

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