Ground Beef Taco Casserole Recipe

If you love Tex-Mex flavors but want something hearty and easy to make, this Ground Beef Taco Casserole Recipe is going to become your new dinner MVP. I absolutely love how this casserole layers classic taco ingredients with a buttery biscuit base, creating a cozy dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers for the week, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes—cheesy, savory, a little spicy, and super comforting.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef Taco Casserole Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. I like to use a quality taco seasoning and fresh veggies to really bring it home, and the biscuit mix makes the base both quick and satisfyingly soft.

• Lean Ground Beef: Choose 90% lean or higher for the best balance of flavor and less grease.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color—feel free to swap with green if you prefer.
• Yellow Onion: Gives that lovely aromatic base to build flavor.
• Taco Seasoning Mix: Use your favorite pre-made brand or homemade blend to tailor the spice level.
• Biscuit Mix: Bisquick works beautifully for a quick biscuit base without fuss.
• Water: Just enough to bring the biscuit mix together—don’t add too much or the dough will be too sticky.
• Cooking Spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang, balancing the spices perfectly.
• Mayonnaise: Surprising but essential for a smooth, rich layer alongside the sour cream.
• Diced Green Chiles: Give a gentle heat and smoky flavor—drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Fiesta Blend: A blend with Monterey Jack and Cheddar melts so well and adds color and creaminess.
• Garlic Powder: A little boost of garlic flavor without overpowering.
• Salsa, Mild: Adds a fresh, slightly tangy contrast—use your favorite jarred salsa or homemade if you have it.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Ground Beef Taco Casserole Recipe—it’s such a flexible dish. You can easily adjust it based on what you have in your fridge or to fit your dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite tweaks.

• Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in corn kernels or black beans for extra texture and nutrition—my family barely notices but gets the benefits!
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, adding diced jalapeños or using a hotter salsa really kicks this dish up a notch.
• Cheese Choices: Swap the fiesta blend for Pepper Jack or a Mexican cheese blend to change the flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix and gluten-free taco seasoning to keep it friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Ground Beef Taco Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook Your Ground Beef

Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready for the biscuit base and the final bake. Then heat a large skillet over medium-high and add your lean ground beef. I like to break it apart right away with a wooden spoon for even cooking. Stir occasionally and cook until no pink remains—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat once it’s cooked; this avoids that greasy casserole texture that nobody wants.

Step 2: Mix Up and Bake Your Biscuit Base

While your beef is cooking, stir together biscuit mix and water in a medium mixing bowl. If you’re like me, you’ll find it easiest to use your hands to bring the dough together—just don’t overwork it. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray, then press the dough evenly into the bottom, spreading it out all the way to the edges. Pop it in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes until the dough is firm and just starts to turn golden. This base helps soak up the delicious layers on top.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Season the Beef

Once the beef is cooked and drained, add your chopped onion and red bell pepper directly into the skillet. Stir and cook for another 4 minutes until they soften but still have a bit of bite—that adds texture that I really appreciate. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and mix evenly to coat the meat and veggies. Then remove the skillet from heat. This step brings all those taco flavors alive in one tasty mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over your pre-baked biscuit base. Now for the creamy layer: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, drained diced green chiles, ¾ cup of the shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Stir this up until it’s smooth and creamy, then carefully spread it over the beef layer. I’ve found this adds a luscious richness without feeling too heavy.

Step 5: Add Salsa and Cheese, Then Bake

Drop small spoonfuls of mild salsa on top of the sour cream layer—there’s no need to spread it around because it melts into the cheese as it bakes. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over everything. Pop the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until it’s bubbly, hot, and the cheese is nicely melted and golden in spots.

How to Serve Ground Beef Taco Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I really love topping my servings with some fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a burst of brightness. A dollop of guacamole or an extra spoonful of salsa on the side never hurts either. Oh, and don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating—that zing ties everything together beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this casserole are always something fresh and crunchy like a simple tossed romaine salad with a tangy vinaigrette or corn on the cob slathered with butter and a sprinkle of chili powder. For something heartier, rice or refried beans also pair wonderfully and soak up all those delicious taco flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this Ground Beef Taco Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a dinner party—it makes each portion feel special. You can also layer it in a clear glass dish for a colorful presentation that shows off the layers. It’s a great conversation starter and looks way more gourmet than it is to make!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The casserole holds up well and reheats beautifully without drying out, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you just want a quick meal.

Freezing

This Ground Beef Taco Casserole Recipe freezes great! I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, which keeps the biscuit base from getting too soggy. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too—just cover the dish and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the top layer.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Taco Casserole Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s so comforting, easy, and flexible. I discovered this one after struggling with complicated taco dinners that demanded way too many pots and prep time. Now, it’s streamlined, full of flavor, and always a hit in my house. I hope you’ll give it a try—you’ll love how it comes together and how many happy tummies it fills. Consider it your new weeknight winner!

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