Taco Casserole is the easiest way to get taco night flavors in one simple, family-style dinner. We basically turned a taco (or taco salad) into a casserole that preps in minutes and feeds a crowd!

It uses seasoned ground beef, a fluffy baked topping, and all the fresh taco fixings make this a crowd-pleasing meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Not only do we love that this recipe is delicious and family-approved, but we love how simple it is. You bake the beef with that golden, biscuit-style topping, then finish it with cool sour cream, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cheese, and olives. It is so easy to customize based on the ingredients you love most.

Try topping it off with a delicious Taco Salad Dressing! We know you’ll love it.

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • Some favorite flavors. This recipe is kind of like a Taco Salad or Navajo Tacos but in casserole form!
  • Preps in 5 minutes! Cook up your ground beef and layer. This is one easy dinner, perfect for busy nights or any night!
  • Enough to feed the family. It’s hearty and filling and makes around 8 servings so there’s plenty for everyone! Add a couple of sides (like Spanish Rice and Refried Beans) to make it go even further.

Taco Casserole Ingredients

  • Ground beef (2 pounds): Makes the casserole hearty and filling, and it holds the taco seasoning flavor perfectly. You can also use ground chicken or ground turkey.
  • Taco seasoning (2 (1-ounce) packets): Adds all the classic taco spices quickly without measuring a bunch of seasonings. Store-bought or 2 tablespoons of homemade Taco Seasoning.
  • Large eggs (4 large eggs): Helps the biscuit topping set and bake up fluffy and sliceable.
  • Milk (¾ cup): Keeps the topping tender and helps the batter mix smoothly.
  • Biscuit / baking mix (1¼ cups): Creates that easy baked “crust” layer on top of the taco meat.
  • Black pepper (dash): Adds a little extra flavor and balances the richness.
  • Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a cool, creamy layer that tastes amazing against the warm casserole.
  • Chopped lettuce (2 cups): Adds crunch and freshness right before serving.
  • Chopped tomato (¾-1 cup): Adds juicy freshness and a classic taco topping vibe.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Adds melty, cheesy goodness and makes everything extra satisfying.
  • Olives (olives): Adds salty bite and that classic taco casserole finishing touch.
  • Optional mix-ins: corn kernels, onions, jalapenos
  • More toppings: Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole

How to Make Taco Casserole

Taco meat at the bottom of a casserole dish for homemade Taco casserole recipe.

GROUND BEEF. Cook 2 pounds of ground beef over medium heat, drain, and add 2 packets of Taco Seasoning. Spread the meat on the bottom of a 9×13 pan or baking dish.

BISCUIT LAYER. Beat eggs, milk, biscuit mix, and a dash of black pepper until well combined, and pour over ground beef mixture.

BAKE. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

  • Let it cool for a few minutes and spread on sour cream. Top with your desired toppings. Add chopped lettuce, chopped tomato, cheese, and black olives.
    • Fully brown the ground beef and drain the beef well so the casserole does not get greasy or watery.
    • Spread the beef into an even layer so the topping bakes evenly across the whole pan.
    • Add extra spice with red pepper flakes or chili powder.
    • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before adding sour cream so it spreads easily and does not melt too much.
    Toppings on taco casserole recipe close up image.
    Easy taco casserole recipe slice on white plate.
    4.97 from 248 votes

    Taco Casserole Recipe

    This hearty taco casserole recipe has a biscuit base and all your favorite taco flavors. It preps in just 5 minutes and feeds a crowd!
    Servings: 8
    Prep: 5 minutes
    Cook: 35 minutes
    Total: 40 minutes

    Video

    Ingredients 

    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 2 (1-ounce) packets taco seasoning
    • 4 large eggs
    • ¾ cup milk
    • cups biscuit / baking mix
    • dash black pepper
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 2 cups chopped lettuce
    • ¾-1 cup chopped tomato
    • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    • olives

    Instructions 

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
    • Cook beef over medium heat in a large skillet until no longer pink. Drain meat, add taco seasoning, and prepare according to package directions.
    • Add meat to a greased 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
    • Beat eggs and milk in a large bowl. Stir in one and a quarter cup biscuit mix and pepper, and mix until combined well. Pour over meat and bake until golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).
    • Let cool for a few minutes and then spread on sour cream.
    • Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and olives. Serve warm and ENJOY!
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    Notes

    Prep ahead. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let the casserole sit on the counter while the oven preheats and bake.
    Freezer meal. Fully bake and cool. Cover the casserole with plastic and again with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and bake uncovered in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Add toppings and serve.
    Store leftovers in an airtight container(s) and keep in the fridge for about 3 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 562kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Cholesterol: 213mg, Sodium: 569mg, Potassium: 474mg, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 660IU, Vitamin C: 0.7mg, Calcium: 317mg, Iron: 3.4mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Recipe FAQ

    Prep ahead of time?

    Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let the casserole sit on the counter while the oven preheats and bake.

    How to make a freezer meal?

    To freeze, fully bake and cool. Cover the casserole with plastic and again with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
    Thaw and bake uncovered in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Add toppings and serve.

    How to store?

    Remove toppings, place leftovers in a container, and store toppings in a separate airtight container(s). Refrigerate for about 3 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

    This recipe was originally published August 2017.

    About Kristyn

    Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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    4.97 from 248 votes (110 ratings without comment)

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    351 Comments

    1. Rosie says:

      5 stars
      I love love love this recipe. Thank uou for sharing❤️❤️❤️

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        You are so welcome! I am glad you do 🙂

    2. sheryl lipscomb says:

      This kooks really good going to try it after i go to the store when our storm passes.

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        I hope you like it, as much as we do!!

    3. Joanne Bal says:

      Im making this on Sunday for dinnwe! Can i uSe canNed biscuits insteaD of biscuit miX?

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Sorry, to not get back to you sooner? Did you try it with the biscuits? I was going to say that I haven’t tried, but it would work.

    4. Tim Hill says:

      5 stars
      We had this last October for my bday and it was delicious. I love how simple this recipe is to make. The only changes we made were to omit the biscuit mix and instead we layered corn tortilla strips on top of the meat and then put the sour cream and lettuce on top of the strips. Super easy to dress this up anyway you like, we just added some cilantro for flavor. A great week night rotation recipe. Many thanks. IT is sometimes hard to find uncomplicated recipes these days!

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Sounds great! Thank you for sharing what you did. Glad you liked it!

    5. Maria S says:

      5 stars
      Ok…. Did this recipe. I substituted with Turkey ground meat. And instead of sour cream I used fat free Greek Yogurt. Yum!

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Great option! Thank you for sharing that!

    6. Chelayne says:

      5 stars
      I made this recipe once before and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it. I was just wondering if it would be just as good if I followed the recipe for Biscuits on the bisquick box?

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        I am sure it would 🙂 Enjoy!!

    7. Denise M Fischer says:

      5 stars
      This Taco pie is to die for! I’m not a big fan of mexican food, but this… is a wow factor! Make it, you won’t be sorry!

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Yay!! I am happy you tried it & liked it!! Thank you so much!

    8. Bob says:

      Looks easy to prep and lioks goo to eat.

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        It really is!! Hope you give it a try 🙂

    9. Jessie ingram says:

      Can you use corn bread mix instead of biscuit mix

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Yes, you could 🙂 I have not tried, but it will work.

    10. Carole says:

      5 stars
      very good

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Glad you think so 🙂 Thank you!!