Loaded Taco Casserole Bake is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings the best of Tex-Mex cuisine straight to your dinner table. Combining ground beef, beans, salsa, gooey cheese, and crispy tortilla layers, this casserole is a perfect all-in-one meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
The dish is baked to perfection, giving every bite a deliciously melty and crunchy texture. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility—you can customize it with your favorite toppings and sides, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a weekend potluck, this casserole delivers comfort and bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel-style)
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on preference)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 small flour tortillas or 10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning to the beef mixture along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir well to coat the meat evenly and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Let it cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Set aside.
- Start layering the casserole by placing a layer of tortilla quarters at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Overlap them slightly to ensure good coverage.
- Spoon a layer of the meat and bean mixture over the tortillas.
- Add a layer of the shredded cheese blend on top of the meat.
- Repeat the layers (tortillas, meat mixture, cheese) until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to cut.
- Before serving, top with sour cream, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, and green onions if desired.
- Serve warm with a side of tortilla chips, avocado slices, or a simple green salad.