Easy Taco Casserole Recipe

Why you’ll love it

Your whole family will thank you for making this simple taco casserole since it’s just so tasty. They’re going to get really excited for next taco night. It’s also super customizable, so everyone can load it up with their favorite fresh toppings!

Taco flavors, black beans, salsa, and ground beef all dressed up in a hot and cheesy casserole with a warm spice blend… who says no? Even your pickiest eaters are going to devour this meal. It’s also a fairly inexpensive casserole for any weeknight.

What you’ll need

• Olive oil – for frying the ground beef
• Ground beef – I like to use lean ground beef. Try 90%
• Doritos – use your favorite flavor. I picked nacho cheese. You can also add some on top for an extra crunch!
• Onion – makes a great savory base
• Chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin – this trio makes a delicious homemade taco seasoning
• Beans – I prefer black beans, but you could do a layer of refried beans instead!
• Corn – we’re using canned corn to make this hassle free
• Salsa – pick up a jar of your fave brand
• Cheese – I used a Mexican blend, but cheddar would work great

Suggested toppings:

• Fresh tomatoes
• Chopped cilantro and scallions
• Avocado
• Black olives
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Iceberg or romaine lettuce

How to make taco casserole

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Preheat the oven. In a cast iron skillet cook the beef in the olive oil. After a few minutes, stir in the onion and spices. Continue cooking through, and then spoon out any excess fat.

Add in the corn, salsa, beans, and half the cheese. Warm until the cheese melts.

Place an even layer of Doritos in a baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture over top.

Top the casserole with the remaining cheese, and then bake uncovered until hot and melty! Serve as-is or with toppings of your choice suggested above.

Substitutions and variations

• You don’t have to use Doritos. Other tortilla chips or Fritos will definitely work in this taco bake!
• Use a ready-made taco seasoning blend if you prefer not to use the individual spices.
• You could add more veggies such as red bell peppers to this casserole. I’d add them in at the same time as the onion. 
• Feel free to swap the black beans with another kind if you prefer, like kidney beans or pinto beans. 
• If you want to add some heat, use a medium or spicy salsa, hot cheese blend, add some cayenne pepper, or you could even toss in some spicy chopped green chilies.