Easy Taco Casserole

Why make one taco when you can make an entire pan? Get a tasty taco casserole with this quick and easy 30-minute healthy dinner recipe!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

What is taco casserole?

Taco casserole takes the concept of a taco and upgrades it to an entire casserole. Instead of making one taco at a time, this speeds up the dinner process by making one dish for the family. It has all of the class taco ingredients like beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, but swaps the tortilla for a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top. There are also limes, jalapeños, and cilantro to upgrade these tacos!

Easy taco casserole

Inspired by my healthy 7 layer dip, this easy taco casserole is a healthy dinner meal for the entire family! It layers all of the taco essentials into a casserole dish and bakes to get toasted and warm. Similar to how you can customize a taco to make it what you want, you can do the same thing for this casserole! Want more cheese? You got it. Don't like limes? Leave them off. One of the best part is that it's ready in less than 30 minutes!

What ingredients do I need?

These ingredients are a suggestion - you can customize this recipe for what you like!

• Ground beef - I like to use extra lean ground beef to get a little extra protein in this casserole.
• Yellow onion - For some extra flavor while cooking the meat.
• Taco seasoning - You can use taco seasoning from a packet or jar.
• Refried beans - A can of refried beans will be added as a layer.
• Greek yogurt - Plain greek yogurt is used instead of sour cream so there is still creaminess AND extra protein
• Mexican cheese - You can use a combo of Mexican cheese and whatever you like best.
• Olive oil - This will be used to cook the onion and meat.

Toppings for taco casserole

These ingredients are added to the top of the casserole after it comes out of the oven. These are optional and you can customize them based on your preferences!

• Lettuce - A little bit of chopped lettuce will add some crunch.
• Tomatoes with chiles - We use canned, diced & drained tomatoes to keep the assembly really easy but you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
• Tortilla chips - Crushed tortilla chips will add crunch to each bite!
• Cilantro or green onion - Add some chopped greens if you want some extra flavor on top of your tacos.
• Jalapeno - We like to add sliced jalapeno for some extra heat.
• Lime - For some extra flavor!

Can I make substitutions to the recipe?

This recipe is totally customizable to you! Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Ground beef - ground chicken or ground turkey
• Refried beans - black or pinto beans
• Greek yogurt - sour cream
• Canned tomatoes - fresh tomatoes
• Mexican cheese - any cheese
• Any toppings you like!

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This recipe takes 30 minutes total! There's one pot necessary to cook the meat & onion, but everything else is layering into the dish and making. This easy taco casserole really is quick and EASY.

What is the process to make the recipe?

Here's how you make an easy taco casserole:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Place the greek yogurt on the counter so it comes to room temperature as you’re preparing the meat. (This will prevent the yogurt from curdling while it bakes!)
• Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and onions to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes.
• Add the ground beef and taco seasoning. Cook on medium heat until the meat is cooked through (not pink).
• Drain excess grease from the skillet.
• Use cooking spray to grease the casserole dish.
• Spread the refried beans in an even layer on the bottom of the casserole dish. Next, add the layer of greek yogurt over the refried beans. The layer of ground beef will be next.
• Sprinkle the cheese across the top.
• Bake for about 10-15 mins, or until cheese is melted.
• Add the toppings after the dish is finished baking.
• Let the dish cool & enjoy!

What do you serve with tacos?

You can serve the same sides with this taco casserole that you would serve with tacos! Some ideas include:

• Mexican rice
• Refried Beans
• Charro beans
• Chips and salsa
• Guacamole and chips
• Mexican corn

Looking for more healthy appetizers?

Here are some of my favorite healthy appetizer recipes:

• Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Fiesta Ranch Dip
• Healthy Buffalo Chicken Rolls
• BBQ Chicken Nachos

Can I have the recipe?

If you try this recipe and love it, please rate it and let me know your thoughts! I hope you enjoy this healthy 7 layer dip!

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Easy Taco Casserole

Why make one taco when you can make an entire pan? Get a tasty taco casserole with this quick and easy 30-minute healthy dinner recipe!

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: casserole, taco, taco casserole

Servings: 6

Calories: 346kcal

Author: Jordan Smith

Equipment

• casserole dish
• oven
• skillet

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef I used extra lean
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 1 oz. taco seasoning or 2 tbsp
• 16 oz. refried beans canned
• 1 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1.5 cups shredded mexican cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Toppings:

• 1 cup lettuce chopped
• 16 oz tomatoes with chiles canned, diced & drained
• ¾ cup tortilla chips crunched
• ¼ cup cilantro or green onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno sliced
• 1 lime sliced

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Place the greek yogurt on the counter so it comes to room temperature as you’re preparing the meat. (This will prevent the yogurt from curdling while it bakes!)
• Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and onions to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes.
• Add the ground beef and taco seasoning. Cook on medium heat until the meat is cooked through (not pink).
• Drain excess grease from the skillet.
• Use cooking spray to grease the casserole dish.
• Spread the refried beans in an even layer on the bottom of the casserole dish. Next, add the layer of greek yogurt over the refried beans. The layer of ground beef will be next.
• Sprinkle the cheese across the top.
• Bake for about 10-15 mins, or until cheese is melted.
• Add the toppings after the dish is finished baking.
• Let the dish cool & enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 1083mg | Potassium: 546mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 917IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 293mg | Iron: 4mg