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
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.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- 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.
Taco Casserole Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 (1-ounce) packets taco seasoning
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 1¼ 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!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let the casserole sit on the counter while the oven preheats and bake.
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.
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.
Complete The Meal
Sides
Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
45 mins
Mexican Bean Salad
1 hr 10 mins
Mexican Corn on the Cob
14 mins
Refried Black Beans
15 mins
Desserts
Taco Recipes
Collections
This recipe was originally published August 2017.
When does the 2cups of cheese got it this recipe?
It goes in as a topping. So once the bottom part of the casserole has baked (meat and biscuit layer), then sour cream, lettuce, cheese, olives, etc. get added to the top.
Sounds good and way less work then tacos
Yes, the casserole makes it quick and easy but still give that yummy taco flavor!
I love making this for my family of 8…..thanks so much 😘
You are so welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s one of our family’s favorites. 🙂
I used Bob’s Red Mill 10 Whole Grain Pancake Mix and substituted Chobani Original Non-Fat Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream.
So delicious! Also added some jalapeno for a little extra heat. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! So glad to hear it turned out well and you enjoyed it…. and added some extra heat! 🙂
I made it and used the taco spice recipe. Made half recipe since only two people not 8 🙂 Halving worked fine I used about 1 1/2 TBS of the taco season as we like it spicy! Also used cornbread mix and cooked the mixture with the ground beef at 425 for a little over 20 minutes (till it was bubbly and browning). I thought 350 for 15 to 20 min was not enough. Turned out great and we loved it. Put the topping on and used a little Cholula and dressing. Thanks for putting this out there would have never thought to do it.
Thanks so much for sharing!! Glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe and were able to adapt it to how many people you needed.
This was great!!! Added Rot el to the meat and it was awesome!!
Thanks for sharing! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
Made this today and Loved it…thanks for sharing!
Thanks for trying it out! Glad you enjoyed it!
Did you use bisquick?
Yes 🙂 Enjoy!!
I haven’t made this yet but it looks delicious and can’t wait to try it soon. I also think it would be great for some crunch or just a boost to add crushed doritos or fritos over the top just before serving. Or you can have them available on the side.
Yes, it would! Hope you try it soon & like it! Thank you!
Very good and easy. Biscuit mix works well, it is also good with a corn bread mix.
Thank you for saying that!