Taco Casserole

Do you love tacos but want to save time filling each individual tortilla? Then this easy taco casserole is the perfect solution! My tasty taco bake casserole packs all the flavors of tacos into one delicious, cheesy dish. Top with your favorite taco toppings, and you’ll have a delicious taco night dinner in no time!

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Is there anything better than crunchy corn chips, creamy melted cheese, and a savory ground turkey filling? This taco casserole recipe is an easy way to make a delicious and filling dinner with minimal effort!

You get all the goodness of tacos with this recipe but in the form of a hearty casserole! Honestly, you'll be amazed by how quickly it all comes together.

Adding extra taco toppings like olives, tomatoes, sour cream, and pico de gallo can take your casserole to the next level. The freshness of the toppings adds a nice contrast to the flavorful taco casserole. Let everyone in your family pick their favorite toppings to customize their plate! Taco bake casserole really is an easy weeknight meal for the entire family.

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This Taco Casserole Recipe

Ready in no time. Some casseroles are known for taking a while to cook, but not this one! It's as easy as browning the ground turkey, mixing in the veggies, and then pouring it into the pan and baking.
Oh-so flavorful. Tacos are known for their amazing, spiced flavor. I made sure this taco bake casserole didn't disappoint! With a blend of taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and green chiles, you're guaranteed an explosion your favorite taco flavors in each bite.
Ready in a flash. Did I mention how quick and easy this taco casserole recipe is?! You can have a tasty dinner on the table in just 35 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or your next taco Tuesday meal!

Ingredients For Taco Casserole

For the Taco Bake Casserole

Canola oil
Ground turkey
Taco seasoning
Bell pepper
Green chilies
Tomato sauce
Black beans
Flour tortillas
Corn chips
Cheddar cheese

For Serving

Sour cream
Black olives
Tomatoes
Green onion
Pico de gallo

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

ground turkey and diced bell pepper in a pan.

ground turkey, diced bell pepper, black beans, green chilies and tomato sauce in a pan.

Instructions For Taco Bake Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
In a medium pan over medium heat, add the oil and heat until shimmering.
Add the ground meat into the pan and cook until almost browned.
Add in the bell peppers and saute until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add in the taco seasoning and stir to evenly coat the ground turkey and peppers.
Add in the green chilies, black beans, and tomato sauce.
Stir until combined and simmer 2-3 minutes.
Spray a 9x13 pan with baking spray.
Line the bottom of the baking dish with the flour tortillas.
Pour the meat mixture into the pan.
Combine the crushed tortilla strips and shredded cheese.
Evenly distribute the crushed tortilla strips and plenty of cheese over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Top as desired.

Taco Bake Casserole Substitutions

This delicious new spin on tacos is just as versatile as the real deal! Feel free to switch up any ingredients you don't have on hand. Here are some substitution ideas:

Ground turkey: I use ground turkey in this easy taco casserole recipe as it's lean and flavorful. You can substitute the taco meat with lean ground beef or even ground chicken.
Cheddar cheese: The cheese layer on top of the taco bake is made with cheddar cheese. It melts wonderfully and adds an amazing texture. If you don't have cheddar, you can substitute it with a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese, for example.
Black beans: I love adding black beans for extra protein, but you can substitute them with other types of beans, such as kidney or pinto beans.
Toppings: There is no right or wrong way to enjoy your tacos in casserole form. Smother your delicious taco casserole in any of your favorite taco toppings, and enjoy! Keep reading for some of my favorite topping ideas.

Taco Bake Casserole Topping Ideas

The sky is the limit when it comes to toppings for this taco bake casserole. Let's take a look at some popular favorite taco fixings for the whole family:

Fresh tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Sliced olives
Sour cream
Jalapenos or green chiles
Pico de gallo
Refried beans
Guacamole
Green onions
Cream cheese
Cilantro
Corn
Nacho cheese
Fresh lime juice

How long is taco bake casserole good for?

This easy taco casserole will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. I recommend storing it in an airtight container for the best results. Reheat it in a 350ºF preheated oven until heated through, ensuring the corn chips stay nice and crunchy.

Can you freeze this taco casserole recipe?

Yes, you can freeze your taco casserole, but I recommend leaving the toppings out of the mix if you plan to freeze. Place your cooled taco casserole in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw your casserole overnight in the refrigerator, bake until heated through, and top with your favorite toppings.

What corn chips are best for a taco casserole?

Any type of corn tortilla chips will work perfectly for this taco casserole recipe. You can go classic with plain yellow corn chips or get creative and use flavored chips like chili lime, jalapeno cheddar, and spicy nacho. Doritos and Fritos are also great options.

baked taco casserole in a baking dish topped with fresh olives, bell pepper and sliced green onions.