Easy to Make Taco Casserole

Make this meal in advance and taco night will be a breeze

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Why not spice up Taco Tuesday with a recipe that pulls everyone's favorite flavors into one dish? This taco casserole allows you to make variations to suit your preferences for spiciness and ease (see the spice hack below). Plus, you can make it in advance, so come dinner time you'll have an answer when you hear, "What's for dinner?" Just pop this casserole in the oven, pair it with some tortilla chips, and let taco night begin.

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Video: Taco Casserole Recipe

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Things You'll Need

  • 1 cup rice

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, diced

  • 14.5 oz. can diced green chiles, drained (optional)

  • 3 tsp. cumin

  • 3 tsp. chili powder

  • 1 tsp. paprika

  • 1 tsp. garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp. salt

  • 1/2 tsp. pepper

  • 1 lb. ground beef

  • 16 oz. jar taco sauce (mild, medium, or hot)

  • 12 oz. can beans (pinto, kidney, or black), rinsed

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)

  • 1 cup frozen sweet corn

  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced, tomatoes, tortilla chips, guacamole, sour cream

  • 9 x 13 casserole dish

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Tip

Spice hack: To save time, use a packaged taco seasoning mix instead of measuring out individual spices. No one will know the difference!

1. Cook the rice and onions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the rice according to the directions on the package.

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As the rice cooks, pour the oil into a large sauté pan and add the onions. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Tip

Cook onions over a low flame to avoid coloring the edges.

2. Cook peppers, chiles, and garlic

Add the rest of your vegetables: peppers, garlic, and chiles (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until all the vegetables start to soften.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

3. Add the beef and spices

Next add the beef and spices to the vegetables. Cook everything together until the meat is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Stir often.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

4. Add water

After the meat has browned, add 1 cup of water to the pan. Scrape up any bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon or spatula.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Tip

Want even more spice? Add red pepper flakes here.

5. Mix in the taco sauce

Add a bottle of taco sauce and stir to combine.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

6. Add the beans

Add the beans and stir. Bring the sauce to a boil, turn the heat down slightly, and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid is slightly reduced.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

7. Flavor the rice

Once your rice has finished cooking, stir in the salsa plus 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. It'll be sticky and gooey, oozing with flavor.

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Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Tip

If you have time, grate your own cheese — it will make the dish more flavorful.

8. Assemble the casserole

Grease a 9 x 13 dish with a little butter or oil. Then start layering in the rice, using half of the rice mixture you have prepared.

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Use the back of your spoon to flatten out the rice and completely cover the base of the pan.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

9. Keep adding layers

Add a layer cheese, then half of the meat and bean mixture. Sprinkle on half the corn and a handful of cheese. Repeat until all the ingredients are layered in the pan. The order of the layers is not that important, so just keep layering until you've added all the ingredients.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Finish with a sprinkle of any remaining cheese and corn.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

10. Bake the casserole

Place the casserole on top of a foil-lined cookie sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is golden brown.

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If you're baking this casserole ahead of time, reduce your cooking time to 25 minutes.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Tip

Serving later? Allow the casserole to cool, cover and store in the fridge. Reheat the casserole at 350°F for about 25 minutes when you're ready to eat.

11. Add toppings just before serving

Top the casserole with crispy bites of tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, freshly diced tomatoes, and serve with sour cream and guacamole.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

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