🌮 Layered Taco Casserole

This easy, cheesy taco casserole layers crunchy tortilla chips, savory beef, refried beans, and melty cheese into one irresistible weeknight dinner. All your Tex-Mex favorites baked into a family-style comfort dish!

📋 Recipe Card
👨‍🍳 Servings: 6–8
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Bake Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
🏷️ Tags: One-Pan Meal, Tex-Mex, Crowd-Pleaser
🍽 Dietary Info: Gluten-Free (check chips & seasoning) | Can Be Made Vegetarian

🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Casserole Foundation:

1 bag (9–10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz)

1 cup salsa (your preferred heat level)

1 can (15 oz) refried beans

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

Optional Toppings (for serving):

Sour cream

Guacamole

Diced fresh tomatoes

Sliced black olives

Chopped green onions

Fresh cilantro leaves

👩‍🍳 Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prep Dish

Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Cook & Season the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef (or turkey) until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.

Drain excess fat.

Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

Layer the Casserole – Round 1

Spread half the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the dish.

Spoon refried beans over the chips and gently spread into an even layer.

Add half the seasoned meat mixture on top of the beans.

Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheese.

Layer – Round 2

Top with remaining crushed chips.

Add the rest of the meat mixture.

Finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, spreading it to the edges.

Bake & Serve

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges.

Cool for 5 minutes, then top with your favorite garnishes.

Serve hot!

💡 Tips for Success
Don’t crush chips too finely. Keep some larger pieces for crunch and structure.

Prep ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest melt—pre-shredded blends contain anti-caking agents.

Reheats beautifully: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.

🌯 Taco Night, Upgraded
This casserole has all the heart of a loaded taco platter—minus the mess and assembly. You get crispy chips, hearty beef, creamy beans, and bubbling cheese in each scoop. Even better, you can make it ahead and dress it up with endless toppings.

It’s the kind of meal your family will ask for again… and again.

📸 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Brown the Meat
Cook until no pink remains. Add seasoning and salsa to infuse flavor.

Tip: Simmering a few extra minutes helps the meat absorb the salsa’s richness.

2. Layer with Purpose
Think of it like lasagna—chips, beans, meat, cheese. Repeat.

Technique: Spread the refried beans with a silicone spatula for even coverage.

3. Cheese It Generously
Melted cheese acts as glue for this layered marvel. Cover the surface evenly.

4. Bake Until Bubbly
Golden edges = crispy chips and gooey goodness. Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.

🧂 Ingredient Tips & Swaps
Ground Meat Options:

Lean ground beef (90/10 or better)

Ground turkey or chicken

Veggie crumbles or black beans for a meatless version

Tortilla Chips:

Use sturdy restaurant-style chips to avoid sogginess

For extra crunch, toast crushed chips in the oven briefly before layering

Beans:

Black bean refried style or spicy chipotle refried beans add variety

Or swap with whole canned black beans, drained

Cheese:

Mexican blend = cheddar, Monterey Jack, and more

Swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick

🔄 Variations & Serving Ideas
Make it Spicier:

Add chopped jalapeños or hot salsa

Use pepper jack or spicy taco seasoning

Kid-Friendly Mod:

Use mild salsa and reduce taco seasoning to taste

Serving Suggestions:

Side of Spanish rice or corn salad

Serve buffet-style with all the toppings so everyone builds their dream plate

Garnish with lime wedges for a zesty finish

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Info
Storage:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Freezing (Before Baking):

Assemble casserole in a foil tray, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.

Bake from frozen (covered) at 375°F for 45–50 minutes, then uncover to finish.

Make-Ahead Tip:

Assemble everything except the final cheese layer. Add it right before baking for the freshest melt.

🧾 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – Based on 8)
Calories: ~410 kcal

Protein: ~21g

Fat: ~24g

Carbs: ~28g

Fiber: ~4g

Allergens: Dairy (cheese), Corn (chips). Gluten-free if all packaged items are GF.

❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use nacho cheese chips instead?
A: Yes, but be aware they may get a bit softer. They’ll add great flavor, though!

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Definitely. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q: Can I use homemade beans?
A: Absolutely. Any thick-style bean mash (pinto, black) will work well.

Q: What if I don’t have salsa?
A: Substitute with canned diced tomatoes and add extra taco seasoning.

💬 Final Thoughts
This layered taco casserole is the definition of easy comfort food—full of flavor, minimal cleanup, and endlessly adaptable. It’s great for weeknights, potlucks, or just when the taco craving hits but you don’t want to stand and assemble 10 of them.

📣 Let’s Taco ’Bout It!
Did you try this recipe? Snap a pic and tag @YourBlogHandle or share your favorite toppings in the comments below. 🌮✨ Got a family twist on this dish? I want to hear it