Go Back
Easy Taco Bake Casserole

Easy Taco Bake Casserole

Easy Taco Bake Casserole is your new weeknight hero – a flavor-packed, one-dish meal that’s incredibly simple to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser. This comforting casserole transforms humble ingredients into a delicious fiesta in your oven, perfect for busy families or anyone craving a taste of Tex-Mex magic without the fuss.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
  • 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained
  • 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 10 ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained (or substitute with another can of diced tomatoes with green chilies)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
  • 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips for topping
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it's browned. Drain off any excess grease.
    1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
    1 pound ground beef or ground turkey, 1 medium onion
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the meat and onion mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, the tomato sauce, and the rinsed and drained black beans.
    1 pound ground beef or ground turkey, 1 medium onion, 1 ounce taco seasoning packet, 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce, 1 15 ounce can black beans
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
    1 pound ground beef or ground turkey, 1 medium onion, 1 ounce taco seasoning packet, 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce, 1 15 ounce can black beans, 1 cup sour cream
  5. Pour the taco meat mixture into an ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
    1 pound ground beef or ground turkey, 1 medium onion, 1 ounce taco seasoning packet, 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce, 1 15 ounce can black beans, 1 cup sour cream
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) evenly over the top of the taco meat mixture. Then, scatter the crushed tortilla chips over the cheese for a delightful crunchy topping.
    1 pound ground beef or ground turkey, 1 medium onion, 1 ounce taco seasoning packet, 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce, 1 15 ounce can black beans, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
  7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are starting to brown slightly.
    1 pound ground beef or ground turkey, 1 medium onion, 1 ounce taco seasoning packet, 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce, 1 15 ounce can black beans, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
  8. Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
  9. Serve the Easy Taco Bake Casserole hot, accompanied by your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

Storing and Reheating: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.