Taco Beef Casserole
A hearty and flavorful taco beef casserole combining seasoned ground beef, corn, olives, and cheese, layered with tortillas for a satisfying family-friendly Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oil ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground chuck or sirloin ⓘ
- 1 package (1 1/4 ounces) Taco Seasoning ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (9-ounces) package frozen corn, thawed ⓘ
- 1 (6-ounces) can pitted olives, ripe ⓘ
- 6 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 can enchilada sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, sauté the onion in oil until translucent.
- Push the onion to the sides of the pan and add ground beef; cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add taco seasoning and water; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the thawed corn and chopped olives (reserve 1/3 cup olives for topping).
- Preheat oven if baking, then layer tortillas in a baking dish.
- Spread a portion of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then pour enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat layers as desired, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with reserved olives before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you don’t have taco seasoning, a mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder can work well. You can also substitute the corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a different texture. For a healthier twist, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of fresh guacamole or a crisp green salad to balance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Killer Tacos for a fun taco night. For a vegetarian option, consider making a meatless version by using beans and veggies instead of beef. Top with sour cream or salsa for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of water before covering can help keep the dish moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Beef Casserole contains roughly 1173 calories, with 45g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), calcium (89% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1407mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the taco beef casserole?
Absolutely! After assembling, cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time to about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight for quicker baking.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can add a nice flavor twist. For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese. You could also try mixing in a little cream cheese for a creamy texture, or even a dairy-free cheese if you're following vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).