The secret to this irresistible casserole is its combination of textures and flavors. Savory ground beef is simmered with taco seasoning, tomatoes, and green chilies, creating a flavorful filling with just the right amount of spice. A layer of crushed tortilla chips adds a satisfying crunch and helps bring everything together.
What makes this casserole especially creamy is the rich mixture of softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded Mexican-style cheese. As it bakes, the creamy layer blends beautifully with the seasoned beef, while the generous cheese topping melts into a golden, bubbly finish.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual family gatherings, this cheesy taco casserole is easy to prepare and even easier to customize. Serve it with fresh cilantro, green onions, guacamole, salsa, or sliced jalapeños for a complete Tex-Mex-inspired meal everyone will enjoy.
Servings: 6–8 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Beef Filling
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1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
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1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
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¾ cup water
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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2 cups diced tomatoes, drained
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1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
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1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed, optional
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1 cup corn kernels, optional
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Layer
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1½ cups sour cream
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½ cup shredded Mexican-style taco cheese blend
For Assembling the Casserole
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2 cups crushed tortilla chips or nacho cheese Doritos
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2½ cups shredded Mexican-style taco cheese blend
Optional Garnishes
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Fresh chopped cilantro
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Sliced green onions
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Diced fresh tomatoes
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Sliced jalapeños
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Guacamole
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Salsa
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Extra sour cream
