Name: Easy Taco Bake Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, browned; 2 tsp chopped garlic; 1 cup frozen corn; 1 14oz can diced tomatoes; 2 Tablespoons of taco seasoning (or one packet; 3/4 cup water; 1 cup shredded taco cheese (Monterey Jack/Cheddar); 1 box of cornbread mix (and required ingredients to make mix)

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When you’re in the mood for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s also incredibly easy to prepare, an Easy Taco Bake casserole is the answer.

This recipe combines all the fantastic flavors of a classic taco with cornbread topping in a convenient casserole form.

With seasoned beef, gooey cheese and all your favorite taco toppings, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Be sure to check out these additional easy weekday casserole recipes!

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It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and savory on the table without a lot of fuss.

Plus, it’s easily customizable, making it a great way to use up ingredients you have on hand.

Get ready to enjoy a simple, yet incredibly tasty twist on taco night with this Easy Taco Bake Casserole.

What is Taco Bake

Taco bake is a delightful and convenient twist on traditional tacos.

It’s essentially a casserole-style dish that captures all the delicious flavors and ingredients of a classic taco but is baked together in one dish.

The base typically consists of seasoned ground beef mixed with taco seasoning for that familiar zesty flavor along with other ingredients to make the meal.

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The entire creation is baked until the cheese is melted, and the flavors meld together beautifully.

It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great way to enjoy the essence of tacos in a more convenient and shareable format, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Can Taco Casserole Be Frozen

Yes, taco casserole can be frozen! In fact, it’s a great dish for preparing ahead of time and freezing for future meals.

To freeze a taco casserole:

Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature.
If it’s in a baking dish, you can cover the dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use an airtight container suitable for the freezer.
Label the container with the date to keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.

Taco casserole can typically be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.

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When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

easy taco bake casserole with slice taken out

Keep in mind that the texture of certain ingredients, like the cornbread, might change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Ingredients for Taco Bake without Tortillas

Serves 8

ground beef, browned
chopped garlic
frozen corn
canned diced tomatoes
taco seasoning (or one packet)
water
shredded taco cheese (Monterey Jack/Cheddar)
box of Jiffy cornbread*

*For a gluten-free option, use King Arthur Gluten Free Cornbread Mix.

And for full ingredient measurements and directions, scroll down to the recipe card.

How to Make Easy Taco Bake

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a 9×12 baking dish, or a similar size, by coating it with nonstick spray.

In a skillet, combine the filling ingredients and simmer them on the stovetop for about 15 minutes, stirring regularly. The mixture will thicken as the liquid from the tomatoes cooks down.

Transfer the cooked filling into the prepared casserole dish.

Evenly sprinkle the cheese over the top of the filling.

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In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter as directed and spread it over the casserole.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the cornbread is fully cooked. To check for doneness, cut through to the filling.

Enjoy this easy taco bake casserole – perfect for a weeknight dinner.

More Taco Recipes with a Twist

Tacos are undoubtedly a beloved and versatile dish, but there’s a world of culinary creativity beyond the classic taco.

These recipes take the delicious essence of tacos and reimagine them in various exciting forms.

So, if you’re a taco enthusiast looking to expand your horizons, or you simply adore Mexican-inspired cuisine, these recipes will take your taste buds on a delightful journey of flavor and exploration.

Get ready to savor the spirit of tacos in fresh and exciting culinary creations.

For more delicious casserole ideas!

Delish Insanely Easy Casseroles – 80+ Amazing Comfort Food Recipes The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever Once Upon a Chef: Weeknight/Weekend: 70 Quick-Fix Weeknight Dinners + 30 Luscious Weekend Recipes Casserole Cookbook: Embrace the Art of Effortless Cooking with a Treasury of 1500 Days’ Worth of Delicious Recipes