Ground Beef Taco Casserole with Tortilla Chips is a comfort food dream come true — a cheesy, layered bake that combines all your favorite taco flavors in one easy dish. Imagine crispy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, black beans, and sweet corn, all baked together and topped with your favorite taco garnishes like sour cream, salsa, and avocado.

It’s a dish that takes the fun of taco night and turns it into a warm, bubbly, satisfying casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or game day gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it delivers all the bold, zesty flavors of tacos without the hassle of assembling individual ones. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of texture — crispy chips on the bottom, creamy layers in the middle, and fresh toppings that make every bite exciting.

It’s also a great way to use up leftovers — toss in extra beans, corn, or vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that feels new and exciting. The combination of taco seasoning, melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips makes it irresistibly crave-worthy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Cheesy, crispy, and comforting — everything you love about Mexican-inspired flavors in one dish.
• Perfect for crowds — easy to double for parties or potlucks.
• Quick and easy — minimal prep, family-friendly, and ready in under an hour.
• Customizable — use your favorite taco toppings and ingredients.
• Leftovers taste amazing — reheats well for next-day lunches.

If you love tacos, nachos, or cheesy bakes, this Taco Casserole will become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving (varies with toppings)

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (1 oz / 28 g) packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix — see tip below)
• ½ cup water
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz / 285 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g. Rotel)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 cups lightly crushed tortilla chips

For Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped lettuce
• Sliced black olives
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Jalapeño slices
• Salsa or taco sauce
• Extra sour cream or cheese

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil, then the ground beef.
3. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Add Flavor

1. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and water.
3. Mix well and simmer until most of the liquid evaporates.

Step 4: Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

1. Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with chilies.
2. Cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Layer the beef mixture evenly over the chips.
3. Spoon sour cream on top and spread it gently.
4. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
5. Add the remaining tortilla chips on top.
6. Finish with the remaining cheese.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. If you like extra crispy chips on top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving (this helps it set).
2. Top with your favorite taco fixings — diced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.

How to Serve

Serve this Ground Beef Taco Casserole warm, right out of the oven. It pairs perfectly with:

• A side of Spanish rice or Mexican rice
• Refried beans or black bean salad
• A light green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Or simply serve it on its own with extra salsa and guacamole!

For gatherings, set out bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their own plate — taco bar style!

Recipe Tips

• Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips so they stay crunchy longer.
• Drain canned ingredients well to prevent sogginess.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• For a richer flavor, replace sour cream with cream cheese or queso sauce.
• To make it heartier, layer in cooked rice or refried beans.
• Homemade Taco Seasoning: Combine 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp cayenne.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Taco Casserole: Substitute ground beef with cooked shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit beef and use black beans, pinto beans, and sautéed peppers for a meat-free option.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or use spicy salsa and pepper jack cheese.
• Healthy Twist: Replace chips with baked tortilla strips or layer over roasted sweet potatoes.
• Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of queso dip or Velveeta cheese sauce before baking.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole (without toppings) for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Thaw overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)
• Oven-safe gloves

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without chips on top), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add chips and cheese just before baking.

Q2: My chips got soggy — what did I do wrong?
Add chips just before baking and don’t over-layer with too much sauce. Also, bake uncovered to allow steam to escape.

Q3: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Both work well and make a lighter version of this dish.

Q4: What cheese is best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully. Use freshly grated cheese for the best texture.

Q5: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Taco Casserole with Tortilla Chips is the ultimate comfort food — flavorful, cheesy, and fun to make. It takes the essence of taco night and turns it into a warm, shareable meal that’s just as festive and satisfying.

With layers of spiced beef, melty cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, this casserole brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, it’s a dish that always delivers — hearty, customizable, and utterly delicious.