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Loaded Taco Beef Casserole is all about bold flavors and easy prep. Here is what you need: - Ground beef and aromatics - 1 pound ground beef - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Canned ingredients and taco essentials - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - Toppings and garnishes - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips - 1 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional) - Fresh cilantro, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in creating layers of flavor. The ground beef gives a hearty base. Onions and garlic add a sweet touch. Taco seasoning brings the zest, while beans and corn provide texture. The rice binds it all together. Toppings like cheese and chips make it fun and crunchy. Jalapeños can add heat, and cilantro gives freshness. This combo makes for a tasty family dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up your oven for a perfect bake. 2. Brown the meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it until it's well done. Remember to drain any fat that collects. 3. Add aromatics next. Toss in 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes. Wait until the onion turns translucent. 4. Mix in the flavors. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 can of black beans (15 oz), 1 can of corn (15 oz), and 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz). Cook this for 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. 5. Combine with rice. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in 1 cup of cooked rice. This gives the casserole its heartiness. 6. Layer your dish. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture on the bottom. Then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over it. 7. Add more layers. On top of the cheese, place the remaining beef mixture. Dollop 1 cup of sour cream over this layer. 8. Finish with cheese and chips. Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese. Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips on top for that crunch. 9. Add jalapeños if you want. Sliced jalapeños (1/4 cup) can give your dish an extra kick. 10. Bake the casserole. Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for melted and bubbly cheese—that's when it's ready! 11. Garnish and serve. Let it cool for a few minutes after taking it out. Add some fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy your tasty family dinner! How to avoid a soggy bottom To keep your casserole from getting soggy, use the right amount of liquid. Make sure to drain canned ingredients like corn and black beans well. Also, cook your rice until it’s just right. Overcooked rice adds too much moisture. Best types of cheese to use I love using sharp cheddar cheese for its strong flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. If you want a little kick, try pepper jack cheese. Each cheese melts well and adds richness. Adjusting spice levels Spice levels can make or break a dish. If you like heat, add more jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning. If you prefer mild flavors, stick to regular taco seasoning and skip the jalapeños. You control the spice! Experiment with these tips to make your Loaded Taco Beef Casserole just right for your family. Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen! Pro Tips Use lean beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce fat content and make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor. Customize your toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like guacamole, diced tomatoes, or green onions to give each serving a personal touch. Make it ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for an easy meal. Spice it up: If you love heat, add more diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up this recipe for fun. Vegetarian alternatives To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or black beans. You can use a mix of veggies too, like bell peppers and zucchini. This adds color and flavor. Ingredient substitutions You can change many ingredients. Instead of rice, try quinoa for a nutty taste. Use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack. If you're out of sour cream, Greek yogurt works well, too. Serving suggestions for different occasions This casserole fits many occasions. For a casual dinner, serve it with a side salad. For a party, make mini portions in ramekins. You can add toppings like guacamole or pico de gallo for extra fun. To keep your Loaded Taco Beef Casserole fresh, use a few simple steps. First, let the casserole cool to room temperature. This helps avoid steam build-up, which can make it soggy. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also transfer leftovers to an airtight container for better storage. For reheating, the best method is using an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it’s warm all the way through. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of one to two minutes, checking often. If you want to store the casserole for a long time, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into portions before freezing. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and contents. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps maintain its taste and texture. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare the beef mixture and layer it in the dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day for a quick meal. What can I serve with Loaded Taco Beef Casserole? You can serve this casserole with a green salad. It pairs well with guacamole and salsa too. For a crunchy touch, add some tortilla chips on the side. How do I make it spicier or milder? To make it spicier, add more jalapeños or some hot sauce. You can also choose spicy taco seasoning. For a milder dish, leave out the jalapeños and use mild seasoning. Adjust to fit your taste! This article covered everything you need to know about making a loaded taco beef casserole. We explored the ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips for the perfect dish. You learned variations and how to store leftovers, plus we answered common questions. In closing, making this casserole can bring joy to any meal. Use your favorite toppings and savor each bite. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing this tasty dish with friends and family!

Loaded Taco Beef Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole loaded with taco flavors, beef, cheese, and topped with crunchy tortilla chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • none Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is well combined.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the cooked rice.
  • In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the beef mixture evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer.
  • Add the remaining beef mixture on top of the cheese layer, then dollop the sour cream over it.
  • Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips evenly on top.
  • If desired, add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick and added flavor.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Optional jalapeños can be added for extra spice.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, taco