Name: Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lb ground beef; 1 bell pepper seeded and diced; 1 onion diced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 ½ tsp cumin; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 4-oz can hatch chiles; 1 cup canned or frozen sweet corn; 1 15-oz can black beans rinsed and drained; 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes; 12 corn tortillas; 12 oz cheddar cheese shredded

There’s something seriously satisfying about a hearty, melty casserole that brings all the best taco flavors together. This Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is just that — a perfect blend of spice, texture, and gooey cheese that makes dinner feel like a celebration any night of the week.

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a layered serving of a baked dish. The dish has a base layer of melted orange cheese that covers a mixture with visible black beans, corn, and browned bits of meat mixed with red sauce, showing through the top melted cheese. Next to it are three slices of fresh, light green avocado and a pile of shredded green lettuce. A silver fork with a small spicy layered bite rests on the plate’s edge, next to the main dish. At the top right corner, part of a white baking dish shows more of the cheesy layered casserole, and at the top left, a half avocado is placed on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe, I’m reminded why it’s a go-to in my kitchen. The layers of seasoned ground beef, tender corn tortillas, and melted cheddar cheese create an irresistible combo that’s both comforting and packed with flavor.

Layered deliciousness: The layering of tortillas with the hearty meat and cheese locks in moisture and flavor, giving you that perfect bite every time.
Simple ingredients, big results: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so it’s an easy recipe to pull off without stressing over fancy items.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or swap toppings to suit your family’s taste buds.
Feeds a crowd: This casserole is terrific for family dinners or meal prepping, stretching nicely for leftovers that taste just as good.

The image shows a close-up view of a baked dish in a white rectangular ceramic pan with one slice removed. The dish has three clear layers: the bottom layer is a dense, golden-brown base mixed with small bits of red and yellow ingredients; the middle layer is thicker and contains chunks of black beans, corn, and red bell peppers, giving it a colorful, textured look; the top layer is covered with melted yellow cheese that looks bubbly and slightly browned in places. The background features a blurred plate with green leafy salad on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe comes from each ingredient playing a role—balancing flavors, textures, and that irresistible Southwest style you want. Here’s why these key players work so well together.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh raw ground beef, a whole bright red bell pepper sliced in half revealing seeds, a whole yellow onion diced into chunks, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing reddish chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown cumin powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl holding diced green hatch chiles, a small white ceramic bowl of golden sweet corn kernels, a small white ceramic bowl of shiny black beans, a small white ceramic bowl of red diced tomatoes with juice, a neat stack of twelve fresh yellow corn tortillas, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: I prefer 90% lean beef—it has enough fat for flavor but not so much that greasy liquid ruins the casserole texture.
Bell pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness that contrasts the savory beef.
Onion: Provides a base of aromatic flavor that deepens the overall profile.
Garlic: A punch of warmth and savory depth.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
Chili powder and cumin: These spices create the classic taco seasoning mix that’s familiar and comforting.
All-purpose flour: It helps thicken the filling, so you don’t end up with a soupy casserole.
Hatch chiles: Adds a subtle smoky heat that’s more complex than just jalapeños—plus they bring authentic Southwestern vibes.
Sweet corn: Balances the savory and spicy with little bursts of sweetness.
Black beans: Boosts protein and fiber while adding tender texture.
Diced tomatoes: Add moisture, acidity, and a touch of brightness.
Corn tortillas: These form the perfect layers—they soften while baking but still hold their shape and add heartiness.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, golden crust we all crave.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve added little twists that elevate it — and I encourage you to do the same so it truly suits your taste.

Variation: I sometimes swap out half the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still packs plenty of flavor.
Spice it up: Adding a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce into the meat mixture can really wake up the flavors.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the beef and double up on beans and veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a delicious meatless casserole.
Add crunch: Try topping with crushed tortilla chips or a sprinkle of queso fresco right before serving for extra texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown and Build Your Flavor Base

Start by browning the ground beef in a large saucepan over medium heat. As soon as it starts to brown, toss in the diced bell pepper, onion, garlic, and kosher salt. I usually let the mixture cook for about 4–6 minutes until the onions soften and everything smells incredible. This step is where the flavors start to build so be patient and make sure those veggies get nice and tender.

Step 2: Spice It Up and Thicken

Now sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, stirring until you can really smell those classic taco aromas—about 1 to 2 minutes. Next, sprinkle the flour over everything and stir well. This little trick thickens the sauce so your casserole isn’t watery but rich and comforting. Give it about 2 minutes for the flour to cook through.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Simmer

Next, stir in the hatch chiles, sweet corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the whole mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3–4 minutes to combine the flavors and reduce a bit. Then, remove from heat—you’ll want it thick and flavorful but not dry.

Step 4: Layer It Up

In a 9 x 13-inch greased baking dish, spread about 1 cup of the meat mixture as a thin base layer. Layer six corn tortillas over it, overlapping and pressing them up the sides a bit. Now add half of the remaining meat, followed by half the shredded cheddar. Repeat with the remaining meat and top with the rest of the cheese. This layering keeps the casserole sturdy and evenly cheesy.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

Bake your casserole at 350°F for 35–45 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese on top turns a mouthwatering golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, I like to let it cool for about 10 minutes so it sets up and slices neatly. Trust me, patience here means perfect squares every time.

Top Tip

After making this recipe a bunch of times, I’ve gathered a few little tips that take this Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe from good to unforgettable.

Use freshly shredded cheese: I shred my own cheddar from a block because pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting and texture.
Don’t rush the cooling: Letting the casserole sit after baking helps it firm up for cleaner slices.
Char your tortillas: I sometimes lightly toast the tortillas on the stovetop to add a smoky flavor and prevent sogginess, which adds a welcome crunchy contrast.
Drain excess liquid carefully: Using leaner ground beef usually means less grease, but if your beef pools liquid, drain it so your casserole stays thick and rich.

How to Serve Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced avocado for creaminess. Sometimes I also add a squeeze of lime to brighten each bite — it cuts through all that cheese and beef beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, some Mexican rice, or even a simple side of chips and salsa if you want to keep the fiesta going.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served this casserole in a big decorative dish surrounded by bowls of toppings — think diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, jalapeños, and pickled onions — letting everyone customize their plates. It makes dinner feel festive and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the casserole cools completely, I tightly cover it with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It usually lasts 3–4 days, and honestly, the flavors only deepen with time.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, too! I freeze it before baking in a foil pan, tightly covered, and then bake it from frozen—just add extra baking time. It’s a lifesaver for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 20–25 minutes or until warmed through. If you're short on time, a microwave works fine—just cover it and check every minute to avoid overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and double-check that your chili powder and other seasonings are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

You can, but corn tortillas hold up better to the layers and give that classic texture. If you use flour tortillas, they may become softer and less distinct, but it’s still delicious!

How spicy is this casserole?

This recipe is mildly spiced thanks to chili powder and cumin, with just a hint of heat from the hatch chiles. You can easily adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or jalapeños if you like things hotter.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, just bake as directed, adding extra time if it’s chilled.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Taco Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that never fails to get compliments at the table. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make — exactly what dinner should be on busy nights. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a favorite in your home too.