Name: Taco Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; ¼ cup taco seasoning; ½ cup water; 14.5 oz. fire-roasted diced tomatoes (do not drain); 4 oz. can green chiles; 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed; 18 corn tortillas; 6 cups shredded cheese (jack and cheddar blend); 1-2 tomatoes, diced for garnish; 1 green onion, sliced for garnish; Sour cream for serving

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If you love the bold flavors of tacos but want a comforting twist, this Taco Lasagna Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need to bring to your dinner table. Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas baked together into a cozy casserole that delivers all the excitement of taco night with the heartiness of lasagna. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and it comes together with simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor and vibrant colors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan is filled with brown cooked ground meat mixed with light, translucent chopped onions, topped in the center with a small pile of minced pale yellow garlic. Around the pan, on a white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl of golden and orange seasoning powder, a cluster of red tomatoes on green stems, a bunch of fresh green onions lying flat, a white bowl filled with shredded yellow and white cheese, and a white bowl with dark cooked black beans. Two white garlic bulbs are also placed near the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to making this dish shine. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the savory beef, tender beans, or the gooey melted cheese that brings everything together in delicious harmony.

1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor and the hearty base for the casserole.
1 medium yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Lends a fragrant kick that enhances all the other flavors.
¼ cup taco seasoning: Infuses the meat with classic taco spices for that signature taste.
½ cup water: Helps create a saucy consistency for the filling.
14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (fire roasted, with juice): Brings brightness and a smoky undertone that complements the spices.
4 oz. can green chiles: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
15 oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed): Boosts texture and protein for a filling experience.
18 corn tortillas: Serve as the layers, giving a crisp yet tender structure that’s gluten-free friendly.
6 cups shredded cheese (jack and cheddar): Creates gooey, melty layers with a perfect balance of sharp and creamy.
1-2 tomatoes (diced for garnish): Adds fresh color and a juicy contrast at the end.
1 green onion (sliced for garnish): Provides a fresh bite and pops of green to brighten each serving.
Sour cream for serving: Offers a cool, creamy topping to balance the dish’s bold flavors.

How to Make Taco Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which sets the perfect temperature for everything to meld beautifully. While it’s heating up, spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your casserole comes out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. As the beef browns and the onions soften, the kitchen will fill with the warm and inviting aroma that promises an amazing dinner ahead.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This little step is crucial to release the garlic’s flavor without letting it burn, giving the filling a fragrant, savory punch.

Step 4: Incorporate Taco Seasoning and Water

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and then pour the water into the skillet. Stir everything together over medium heat to create a rich, flavorful sauce that will soak beautifully into the layers of tortillas and cheese.

Step 5: Mix in Tomatoes, Chiles, and Beans

Add the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, green chiles, and drained black beans. Stir until the mixture is heated through, ensuring every bite is packed with layers of texture and flavor.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Cover the bottom of your baking dish with 6 corn tortillas, overlapping slightly to form a solid base. Spread one-third of the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle about 2 cups of shredded cheese on top. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Melted

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted to gooey perfection. The layers will meld together and the aromas will be irresistible.

Step 8: Garnish and Rest

Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh diced tomatoes and sliced green onions. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before slicing to help it set and make clean serving easier.

How to Serve Taco Lasagna Casserole Recipe

A rectangular clear glass baking dish filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is pale yellow soft tortillas, the middle layer is a mix of browned ground meat with black beans and small bits of red and green vegetables, and the top layer is melted cheese in white and yellow colors covering the whole dish. On top, small chopped bright red tomatoes and chopped green onions are scattered mostly in the middle. The dish sits on a dark wooden surface with some chopped tomatoes and green onions on a wooden spoon to the bottom left and an orange cloth with white patterns on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like diced tomatoes and green onions elevate the look and taste of this casserole. A dollop of sour cream on each serving is a game changer, providing a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy layers.

Side Dishes

This Taco Lasagna Casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or some seasoned rice. For an extra fiesta touch, serve with a side of guacamole or corn salsa to add lightness and freshness alongside the rich casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

To make this dish even more fun, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets. Layer the ingredients the same way and bake – guests will love their own personal taco lasagna, hot and cheesy right out of the oven.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Taco Lasagna Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to four days, letting you enjoy this flavorful meal for lunch or dinner without extra effort.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole, either before or after baking. Make sure it’s sealed well in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will maintain great taste and texture for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, around 20 to 25 minutes, to keep the cheese melty and the layers tender. Alternatively, microwave single servings covered to retain moisture, though the texture is better when reheated slowly in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. Corn tortillas provide a bit more structure and a classic flavor, but either works well in this casserole.

Is this Taco Lasagna Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Using corn tortillas makes this casserole naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your taco seasoning and canned ingredients are gluten-free to be sure.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute, and the casserole will still be delicious and hearty.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and green chiles, making it friendly for most palates. To increase spice, add some jalapeños or extra chili powder.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

Definitely! Assemble it a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. This makes your party prep smoother and keeps you stress-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about a dish that combines the fun of tacos with the comfort of lasagna, and this Taco Lasagna Casserole Recipe delivers on that promise effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving something new and exciting, this casserole is a winner. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for busy weeknights and special gatherings!