Taco Fiesta Bubble-Up Casserole Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Taco Fiesta Bubble-Up Casserole with this easy baking recipe! Ground beef seasoned with Mexican spices, layered with refrigerated biscuits that magically "bubble up" during baking, then topped with cheese and fresh garnishes for a family-favorite weeknight dinner.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Serves:

6 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g lean ground beef</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g taco seasoning (or 1 packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g canned diced tomatoes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g tomato sauce (passata)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tin refrigerated biscuit dough (350g), each biscuit cut into quarters</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g grated cheddar cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g grated Monterey Jack cheese (or more cheddar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For serving: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, sliced black olives</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail

🔥 Calories: 165 calories

🥑 Fat: 0 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 18 g

🍭 Sugar: 15 g

🍗 Protein: 0 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg

🧂 Sodium: 8 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23 x 33cm (9 x 13-inch) baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large non-stick skillet</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease your 23 x 33cm baking dish. This ensures your casserole won't stick and makes cleanup easier.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary – leaving a little fat will help carry flavor, but too much will make your casserole greasy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Stir in the taco seasoning, making sure all the meat is evenly coated. The spices need to bloom in the hot pan to release their full flavors, so let them cook for about 1 minute while stirring.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. The acidity in the tomatoes will help tenderize the meat while adding depth of flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>While the meat sauce is simmering, open your tin of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. The pieces should be bite-sized to ensure they cook through properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Then gently fold the quartered biscuit pieces into the meat mixture, pushing them down slightly but allowing some to remain partially visible. This creates the signature "bubble-up" effect as they bake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Combine both types of grated cheese and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole. The combination of cheeses creates the perfect melt and flavor – the cheddar provides sharpness while Monterey Jack offers exceptional melting properties.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the biscuits have puffed up and turned golden brown, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach at least 74°C (165°F) for food safety.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the molten cheese to set slightly and makes serving cleaner and easier.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Top with your choice of fresh garnishes – diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or black olives. The contrast of the hot casserole with cool, fresh toppings creates a delightful eating experience with multiple textures and flavors.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Taco Fiesta Bubble-Up Casserole?

This Mexican-inspired casserole combines lean ground beef, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, tomatoes, refrigerated biscuit dough, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. It's typically garnished with fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado.

How to cook Taco Fiesta Bubble-Up Casserole at home?

Learn how to cook Taco Fiesta Bubble-Up Casserole by browning seasoned ground beef with onions and garlic, mixing with tomatoes, folding in quartered refrigerated biscuit pieces, topping with cheese, and baking until golden and bubbly. The magic happens when the biscuits "bubble up" through the meat mixture during baking for a unique texture.

Can I make this bubble-up casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature, then fold in the fresh biscuit pieces and cheese before putting it in the oven. For best results, always add the biscuits just before baking.

What's the best way to prevent soggy biscuits in a Mexican bubble-up casserole?

Ensure your meat mixture isn't too wet by simmering it until slightly thickened. Push the biscuit pieces into the mixture but don't completely submerge them. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 190°C (375°F) so the biscuits start cooking immediately.

What are some creative variations for a taco-inspired casserole?

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, adding a tin of drained black beans or sweetcorn for texture, incorporating diced bell peppers or jalapeños for heat, or using pepper jack cheese for spice. You can also swap the biscuits for crescent roll dough for a different texture.

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