Beef and Bean Taco Casserole

This beef and bean taco casserole is pure comfort on a busy weeknight and makes family dinner feel like a treat. It is layered with seasoned beef black beans gooey cheese and crunchy chips so everyone at the table gets something they love. When I first made this recipe for my friends on game night it disappeared before halftime and now it is my go to dish for sharing.

My family loves piling on their favorite toppings and even my picky eater asks for seconds This casserole has quickly become a favorite for potlucks and casual gatherings

Ingredients

• Olive oil: brings everything together and helps brown the beef Choose extra virgin for richer flavor
• Ground beef: adds satisfying protein and savory flavor Opt for eighty five percent lean to keep it juicy but not greasy
• Chopped onion: gives depth and sweetness A fresh firm onion with tight skin is best
• Minced garlic: infuses aroma and warmth Use freshly minced garlic for the brightest flavor
• Taco seasoning: creates signature taco taste Check for low sodium mixes to control salt levels
• Black beans: add hearty texture and plant based protein Rinse well for softer flavor
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles: provide tang and gentle heat Look for cans with no added sugar for cleanest taste
• Tomato sauce: unites the layers into a luscious filling Go for one with no artificial ingredients for best results
• Tortilla chips: bring crunch and heartiness I use sturdy restaurant style chips that can hold up to baking
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: melts to golden gooey perfection Buy cheese in a block and shred it fresh for maximum melt
• Sour cream: to cool it down Creamy and tangy
• Sliced green onions: a fresh bite
• Chopped cilantro: bright herbal note
• Diced avocado: creamy texture and buttery taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish so nothing sticks later

Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Once shimmering add ground beef Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned about five to six minutes This gives great savory flavor

Sauté the Aromatics:

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef Mix well and let them soften over three to four minutes This step creates a flavorful base for the casserole

Build Flavors:

Mix in taco seasoning then add black beans diced tomatoes with green chiles and tomato sauce Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for five minutes so flavors can meld

Layer the Casserole:

Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips into the prepared dish Spoon on half of the beef and bean mixture and sprinkle with one cup shredded cheese Repeat with the remaining chips beef mixture and cheese

Bake Until Bubbly:

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until the cheese is melted golden and bubbling around the edges This ensures the cheese and chips fuse into hearty layers

Rest and Add Toppings:

Let the casserole rest for about five minutes before serving so it holds its shape when sliced Top with sour cream diced avocado green onions and cilantro as you like

Save

I especially love the way the tortilla chips become crispy golden edges while soaking up just enough sauce My kids think adding extra avocado makes it taste like restaurant nachos and it always sparks laughs around the table

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days For best texture reheat portions in the oven uncovered at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through If microwaving cover loosely to preserve the moisture and avoid sogginess

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant based crumbles for a lighter version If black beans are out try pinto or kidney beans Monterey Jack cheese gives a creamier melt and fire roasted tomatoes can boost smoky flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve big squares of this casserole with a crisp green salad and extra lime wedges on the side It is perfect on its own but also works great as a dip with more tortilla chips or rolled into warm flour tortillas for easy hand held servings

Cultural Touch

This casserole is inspired by classic Tex Mex taco flavors It brings together Southwestern traditions of spicy beef beans and corn tortilla chips all in a family style bake perfect for making any day feel like a celebration

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

→ What cheese works best for this dish?

Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese are traditional choices, but Monterey Jack or Colby Jack also melt well and offer great flavor.

→ Are canned black beans necessary, or can I use another variety?

You can substitute pinto or kidney beans for black beans without affecting the overall taste or texture.

→ Should the tortilla chips be crushed finely?

Slightly crushed chips create the perfect balance of crunch and structure. Avoid crushing them into crumbs for best texture.

→ What toppings add the most flavor?

Sour cream lends creaminess, while green onions, cilantro, and diced avocado add freshness and color. Customize to your taste.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Leftovers reheat well in a moderate oven or microwave. The chips may soften, but the flavors remain delicious.