Cheesy Taco Casserole

Is there anything more crowd-pleasing than a big ol’ taco casserole fresh from the oven? I think not! This cheesy, beefy, crunchy taco bake has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember.

It’s one of those nostalgic dishes that just screams “home” to me. I can vividly remember the amazing smells wafting from my mom’s kitchen as this bubbling casserole emerged from the oven. We’d all come running to dig into those layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy biscuit topping, and all the classic taco fixin’s piled high on top.

These days, it’s one of my go-to moves for an easy weeknight dinner that I know everyone will devour. But it’s also perfect for laid-back gatherings and potlucks. This taco casserole is hearty, feeds a crowd, and always gets rave reviews!

What Makes This The Best Taco Casserole?

Well first off, it’s absolutely LOADED with all the tasty taco flavors and textures you crave. You’ve got that seasoned beef base, creamy yet crispy baked biscuit topping, and of course all the fresh, zesty toppings like shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sour cream and cheese.

The combination of the meat layer with that soft yet crispy biscuit crust is just pure comfort food bliss. It’s like the lovechild of a taco and biscuits and gravy! So satisfying and indulgent in the best way.

I also love that this taco casserole is really easy to customize to your taste. Want to load it up with black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers and onions? Go for it! Prefer ground turkey or chicken over beef? Works like a charm. Not a fan of olives? Leave ’em off! That’s the beauty of this versatile, family-friendly dish.

Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time for busy weeknights or meal prep it for lunches throughout the week. It’s one of those crowd-pleasing recipes that everyone gets excited about!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
Taco seasoning
Eggs
Milk
Biscuit or baking mix
Black pepper
Sour cream
Shredded lettuce
Chopped tomatoes
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Sliced black olives

Potential Variations:

Add diced bell peppers, corn, black beans or jalapeños to the beef mixture
Use ground chorizo or Italian sausage instead of ground beef
Substitute cornbread mix for the biscuit mix for a fun twist
Top with pico de gallo, avocado, green onions or fresh cilantro
Drizzle with taco sauce, enchilada sauce or queso for extra flavor

How to Make Cheesy Taco Casserole:

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, biscuit mix and black pepper until well combined.
Spread the seasoned ground beef in an even layer in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour the biscuit mixture evenly over the top.
Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the biscuit topping is puffed and golden brown.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then spread the sour cream over the top.
Add your desired toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cheese and olives.
Slice and serve warm, with extra toppings on the side if desired.

Tips for the Best Taco Casserole:

For extra flavor, try cooking the beef with diced onions, garlic and bell peppers.
Use a combination of ground beef and ground chorizo or Italian sausage.
Don’t overbake the casserole or the biscuit topping can dry out.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before topping so the biscuit can set.
Make it ahead and refrigerate the baked casserole, then top with cold ingredients before serving.
Freezer instructions: Bake as directed, let cool, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating and topping.

FAQs:

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute vegetarian crumbles or sautéed veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for the ground beef.

What sides go well with taco casserole?
Anything you’d serve with tacos! Cilantro lime rice, refried beans, roasted veggies, elote (Mexican street corn), tortilla chips and salsa.

How do you reheat leftovers?
For single portions, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For larger amounts, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Does taco casserole freeze well?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating and topping.

There you have it – the ultimate crowd-pleasing, comforting taco casserole! This dish has it all – cheesy baked goodness, zesty taco flavors, and plenty of fresh, crunchy toppings to pile on.

It’s one of those nostalgic, family-friendly meals that just hits the spot, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy weeknight dinner. Loaded with tasty southwest flavors and easily customizable, this taco casserole is guaranteed to have everyone happily going back for seconds. Give it a try soon and see why it’s such a beloved classic!