This crowd-pleasing taco casserole combines all the best flavors of tacos with layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, topped with your favorite taco toppings - for a quick, easy, and comforting weeknight meal!
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook it for about 5 minutes, using a spatula to break up/crumble the meat as it cooks, before stirring in the taco seasoning.If preferred, you can now drain any excess grease from the pan.
While the meat cooks, chop the bell peppers and prepare any other ingredients - shred the cheese, drain and rinse the beans/corn, etc.
After 5 minutes of cooking the meat, add the tomato passata to the pan and stir well. If it's too thick and not sauce-like, add a small amount of water. Allow it to cook for a couple of minutes, add the diced peppers, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole
Using a 9x13-inch casserole dish, first, add the cooked beef to the bottom of the dish.
Add layers of the corn, beans, and finally, the cheese (reserve a bit to add towards the end after adding the tortilla chip layer).
Bake The Taco Casserole
Transfer the taco bake to the oven and bake it, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Remove it from the oven and sprinkle over the tortilla chips (whole or gently crushed), olives, and any cheese you kept to one side (or add a little extra).
Transfer the dish back to the oven for 5-8 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to stand for a few minutes while preparing your favorite toppings.
Finally, slice, serve, top with the various garnishes, and enjoy!
Storage
Store: Allow the taco dish to cool and then store any leftovers, covered or in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.Reheat: Either microwave a single portion in 30-second increments or reheat a larger portion in the oven at 350ºF/180ºC until heated through.Freeze: It's best to freeze this taco bake casserole in its un-baked form before adding the crunchy tortilla chip topping (which will become soggy upon thawing).To do so, I like to layer the baking dish with two layers of foil and plenty of overhang. First, layer the casserole, then allow it to cool. Next, transfer it to the freezer until solid, then use the foil overhang to remove the casserole from the dish and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap (clingfilm) to freeze for up to 3 months.Either bake it from frozen (adding an extra hour to the baking time) or unwrap the plastic wrap and place it back in the baking pan to thaw overnight in the fridge, bring it to room temperature for 30-40 mins, then bake.
Notes
Adding the tortilla chips: I prefer to add a single layer to the top of the taco bake, so it remains super crispy. However, if preferred, you could add a layer to the bottom and middle of either crispy chips or small flour or corn tortillas (a little like a taco lasagna). Note they will be soggier, though.
Adjust the spice: Choose taco seasoning with your desired spice level or add even more chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste.
To save time: Use pre-chopped peppers and any toppings you’d like (pre-shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, salsa, etc.).
What else to add to the casserole? There are several ways to boost the flavor further:
Onion: Thinly slice 1 medium-large yellow or red onion to add to the beef layer.
Garlic: Fresh or garlic powder. For added aromatic flavor in the beef layer.
Chilies: Add a can of diced green chilies or some fresh jalapeños/chili for more heat.
Sour cream: You could add a layer of about ½ cup of sour cream at room temperature (so it doesn't curdle when baked) - add it above or below the meat layer.
Optional topping ideas:
Green onions/scallions,
Lime wedges - for the lime juice,
Salsa - use fresh homemade salsa or a jarred one,
Jalapeno slices - fresh or pickled. Or other green chiles,
Pickled red onions,
Hot sauce.
How to make ahead?
You can cook the beef mixture and assemble the casserole until the point of its first bake, then allow it to cool, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes.
Then bake, covered, for 30 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes.
Add the remaining topping and return to the oven for 8-10 minutes. Then garnish and enjoy!
Check the blog post for more tips, serving recommendations, and answers to top FAQs!