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Taco Tortilla Casserole Recipe

Taco Tortilla Casserole Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Taco Tortilla Casserole with this easy baking recipe! Featuring layers of crispy corn tortillas, perfectly seasoned beef, and melted cheese, this family-friendly Mexican-inspired dish delivers authentic flavors with minimal effort. My foolproof method ensures perfect results every time!
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Serves:
6 servings
An overhead shot of a bubbling, golden-brown Taco Tortilla Casserole fresh from the oven, captured in warm natural light. The image reveals defined layers of crisp corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and colorful vegetables peeking through a blanket of melted cheese. Steam gently rises from the surface where vibrant red tomatoes, bright green cilantro, and creamy dollops of sour cream create striking visual contrast against the golden-brown cheese top. The casserole rests in a rustic earthenware dish placed on a textured Mexican-inspired table runner, with scattered lime wedges, jalapeño slices, and a small bowl of fresh guacamole artfully arranged alongside.

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 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g taco seasoning (or 1 packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g can diced tomatoes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g tomato sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g can black beans, drained and rinsed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g corn kernels (fresh, frozen or canned)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">12 corn tortillas (15cm diameter)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g grated cheddar cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g grated monterey jack cheese (or more cheddar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For serving: sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges</li></ul>

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 skillet or frying pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Aluminium foil</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 a 23 x 33cm (9 x 13-inch) baking dish. Position a rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even heat distribution throughout the casserole.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn (burnt garlic can add bitterness to your dish).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The fine texture of ground beef allows it to absorb flavors beautifully, so ensure it's broken into small, even pieces for the best flavor distribution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. The seasoning will bloom in the hot fat, releasing more intense flavor than if added to a liquid base.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and tomato sauce. Add the black beans and corn kernels, stirring to combine everything thoroughly. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. The moist filling will soften the tortillas during baking, creating delicious textural contrast with the crispy edges.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Begin assembling your casserole by placing 4 tortillas in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, tearing them if needed to create an even layer with slight overlaps. The overlapping ensures there are no gaps for the filling to fall through while serving.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Spread one-third of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with one-third of the combined cheeses. The cheese between layers acts as a binding agent that helps hold servings together when cut.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Repeat the layering process twice more: tortillas, beef mixture, cheese. Finish with the remaining cheese on top. Be sure to spread the filling evenly, pushing it slightly toward the edges for the most attractive presentation when served.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. The foil traps steam, helping to soften the tortillas and meld the flavors together. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown at the edges.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut clean portions while allowing the flavors to further develop.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Serve warm, garnished with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. The cool, creamy toppings provide a delightful contrast to the warm, spicy casserole. Enjoy your homemade Taco Tortilla Casserole!</li></ol>

FAQs

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

What ingredients are used in Taco Tortilla Casserole?

This Mexican-inspired casserole features lean ground beef, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, corn tortillas, and a blend of cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, garnished with fresh toppings.

How to cook Taco Tortilla Casserole at home?

Learn how to cook Taco Tortilla Casserole by layering corn tortillas with seasoned beef, beans, corn and cheese in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 190°C for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving with fresh toppings.

Can I make this Mexican casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the beef and double the black beans, or substitute with plant-based mince or 400g of diced mushrooms sautéed with the onions. You can also add diced courgette or aubergine for extra texture and nutrition.

How do I prevent my tortilla casserole from becoming soggy?

For crispy texture, lightly toast the corn tortillas in a dry pan before layering. Ensure your beef mixture isn't too watery by simmering until slightly thickened. Also, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow excess moisture to be absorbed.

What's the best cheese combination for authentic Mexican flavour?

For authentic flavour, use a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. If available, queso Oaxaca or queso fresco provide excellent authenticity. Pepper Jack adds a nice heat, while a sprinkle of cotija cheese on top after baking adds traditional flair.

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Will definitely make again!", "name": "Perfect Family Meal", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-08", "reviewBody": "This recipe has become a regular in our meal rotation. I love how adaptable it is - I've tried it with ground turkey and added some diced jalapeños for extra heat. Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe!", "name": "Versatile Crowd-Pleaser", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophie Chen", "datePublished": "2024-05-10", "reviewBody": "I made this for a potluck dinner and it was the first dish to disappear! The clear instructions made it so easy to prepare, and the layers looked beautiful when served. 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