Easy Taco Casserole Recipe (2024)

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Taco rice casserole is an easy dinner idea and freezer friendly. It is a great recipe to stretch your meat and easy on the budget.

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Taco rice casserole

If you are looking for an easy dinner then this Taco casserole recipe is one you just have to try today!Remember, my freezer cooking adventure where I made 16 meals for the freezer? Well this easy taco casserole recipe was one of them, and it was a huge hit.

My husband practically licks the pan clean when I make it. It is seriously that good!

My recipe below is for 2 meals. Why? That way you can make one to eat now, and then the other one goes in the freezer. One mess, but you get 2 meals.

If you don’t want to do that, just cut the recipe in half. However, why wouldn’t you want to? You hardly have to do any extra work to make a second one.

To be honest, I normally make 4 of thesetaco casseroles because they freeze so great and they make a busy weeknight so much easier. Make this Cinco De Mayo Recipe for a Easy Mexican Recipes.

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Let’s get started with thistaco casserole!

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Ingredients for the best taco casserole:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey (or ground beef)
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cups corn
  • 2 cans black beans
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (aka Rotel)
  • 1 package taco seasoning (We love homemade taco seasoning.)
  • 4 cups cooked rice
  • 3 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 9×13 pans
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How to make taco rice casserole:

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If you want to this taco casserole with rice right away:

  1. Bake covered at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes until cooked through.

How to freeze taco rice casserole:

  1. Cover with foil and label. To reheat, let thaw overnight in fridge. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes covered with the foil. Then remove foil and cook until the top is nice and brown.

Enjoy!

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Time saving tip:

Another time saving tip is to use asmall food chopper or food processorto quickly and easily chop onions and bell peppers.

If you do not have one of these, I highly recommend them. They are such a time saver and you make cooking so fast and easy.

I usually just chop the entire vegetable and freeze what I don’t need. It’s so nice to be able to just take the diced onion out of the freezer for recipes.

This is how I meal prep. It’s so quick and easy and helps get dinner on the table fast.

Learn andhow to freeze onionsand alsohow to freeze peppersto save so much time in the kitchen! Lots of the recipes we cook call for onions and peppers so this is such a great time tip that we use frequently.

You will love having peppers and onions all ready to go! It isquick and easy.

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Everyone will enjoy taco rice casserole!

This recipe will surprise you. It doesn’t seem like much, but it has some amazing flavor. We served it with saladto make it a complete meal.

If you want, you could add some crushed tortilla chips on top before you serve it. YUM! My husband even likes to top his with lettuce and fresh tomatoes to make almost like a taco salad. Green onions are also amazing.

If you need Taco Dinner Ideas, this casserole is a great option to serve.

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You can use white rice or brown rice in the casserole. Both are delicious.

However your family eats it, I think you will love it. Make one for dinner and one for the freezer. You will thank me later. 🙂

It is also a great meal to take to someone recovering from surgery or with a new baby. You can grab one from the freezer and bless them with a great meal.

Let us know once you try it and how it turns out for you. It is sure to be a hit with everyone!

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Print this easy taco rice casserole recipe below:

Easy Taco Casserole Recipe (13)

Review

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Taco Rice Casserole

4.91 from 203 votes

Looking for a freezer friendly recipe? You are going to love this easy taco casserole recipe! It is a simple casserole recipe that is packed with flavor.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 12

Cuisine Mexican

Course casserole

Calories 256

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 2 cups Corn
  • 2 cans Black Beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis
  • 1 Package of Taco Seasoning (or 4 tablespoons of homemade seasoning)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 4 cups Cooked Rice (I used regular that I cooked but you can use any)
  • 3 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

  • First brown your ground beef. Add in chopped onions and cook until soft.

  • Stir in Taco seasoning seasoning.

  • Add corn, tomatoes and beans.

  • Spray 2 9×13 pans with non stick spray. Spoon 2 cups of rice into the bottom of each pan, spreading it out evenly.

  • Spoon the meat mixture over the rice.

  • Top with the ½ of the cheese on each pan.

If you want to eat it right away:

  • Bake covered at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes until cooked through.

If you want to freeze it:

  • Cover with foil and label. To reheat, let thaw overnight in fridge. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes covered with the foil. Then remove foil and cook until the top is nice and brown.

Recipe Notes

My recipe is for 2 meals. Why? That way you can make one to eat now, and then the other one goes in the freezer. One mess, but you get 2 meals. If you don’t want to do that, just cut the recipe in half.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 256kcal, Carbohydrates 35g, Protein 24g, Fat 2g, Cholesterol 41mg, Sodium 283mg, Potassium 630mg, Fiber 6g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 475IU, Vitamin C 12.7mg, Calcium 45mg, Iron 2.6mg

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You might also like our One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe where everything is made in one pot.

Try these other easy freezer casseroles:

  • Pizza Pasta Casserole
  • Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
  • Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe
  • Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole Recipe
  • Taco Lasagna Recipe
  • Easy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
  • Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Easy Taco Casserole Recipe (14)

Try these other recipes

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Quick and Easy Breakfast

Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Easy Grilling

Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

Quick and Easy Chicken

Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Easy Mexican

Chicken Fajita Quesadillas Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker

Crockpot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Quick Bread

Indian Fry Bread Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker

Crock Pot Shredded Beef Tacos

About the Author

Easy Taco Casserole Recipe (23)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Easy Taco Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is John Wayne casserole made of? ›

That's right, the iconic John Wayne Casserole is named after none other than the actor himself. Typically, you'll find that most recipes call for refrigerated biscuits or Bisquick, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, sour cream, mayonnaise, ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and Cheddar cheese.

What can I do with taco shells? ›

7 Ways To Utilize Leftover Taco Shells and Flour Tortillas
  1. Nachos. Break the taco shells and create delicious nachos with cheese, beans, olives, guacamole and other fan-favorite ingredients. ...
  2. Breakfast Tacos. ...
  3. Salad Topping. ...
  4. Chicken Quesadillas. ...
  5. Tortilla Pinwheels. ...
  6. Tortilla Pizza. ...
  7. Cinnamon And Sugar Tortilla Chips.
Aug 13, 2022

What temperature should a casserole be heated to? ›

Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
ProductMinimum Internal Temperature & Rest Time
Eggs160 °F (71.1 °C)
Fish & Shellfish145 °F (62.8 °C)
Leftovers165 °F (73.9 °C)
Casseroles165 °F (73.9 °C)
6 more rows
May 11, 2020

What is in casserole dish? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

What is Jackie Kennedy casserole? ›

A simple homemade side dish recipe with egg noodles, sauteed onions and a simple sour cream sauce very much like Beef Stroganoff or Noodles Romanoff. Sonya Tesch. Dinners.

What is the oldest known casserole? ›

Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

What can you use instead of taco shells for tacos? ›

Try one of our 10 creative ideas for tasty alternatives to traditional taco shells.
  • PUT TACOS IN PITA POCKETS. ...
  • GRILL GLUTEN-FREE TACO SHELLS. ...
  • WRAP UP HEALTHY TACOS. ...
  • TRANSFORM CHEDDAR INTO SHELLS. ...
  • PARMESAN IS PERFECT TOO. ...
  • COOK UP SHREDDED CARROT SHELLS. ...
  • ROLL OUT FRESH SPINACH SHELLS. ...
  • CREATE CAULIFLOWER TACO SHELLS.
Jun 7, 2023

Why put taco shells in oven? ›

By baking tortillas in the oven, you'll avoid the mess of frying and get much healthier taco shells that get enjoyed that same day. All you need are your favorite fillings, and you're ready for an epic taco night!

How unhealthy are taco shells? ›

#1: The outer shell

Flour tortillas are often full of refined carbohydrates. Whole-wheat or corn options are higher in dietary fiber, which helps to keep your blood sugar levels from spiking. While these healthy soft taco shells won't increase your taco fat, they're not great for low-carb diets.

What is the key to making a good casserole? ›

  1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
  2. Undercook your pasta. ...
  3. Drain your meat. ...
  4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
  5. Know your cheeses. ...
  6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
  7. Don't skip the topping. ...
  8. Make it now, but bake it later.
Nov 1, 2021

Is it better to cook casserole the day before or? ›

Many casseroles seem to improve in flavour if kept overnight (cool them quickly and keep them in a refrigerator, by the way, once they're cold). This means it's quite possible to make two casseroles while the oven is in full swing, and keep one for the next day.

Should you cover casserole when baking? ›

The primary reason for covering a casserole as it bakes is to trap moisture inside the dish. This will not only keep the casserole itself moist, but it will also help get the casserole up to cooking temperature.

Why put foil on casserole dish? ›

It protects your food from drying out or burning and helps keep in the heat and moisture, ensuring a perfectly cooked meal. Loosely covering your dish with foil can prevent uneven browning while baking. However, tightly sealing your bakeware with foil is the way to go for more steam.

What are 5 components of a casserole? ›

Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese. But making a casserole is not an exact science, and you can definitely break away from this formula. Check out some fun side-dish casseroles and desserts below!

Can I use a cast iron skillet as a casserole dish? ›

Stirred together on the stovetop and popped in the oven for a quick finish, cast-iron skillet casseroles are a great way to feed your family without spending all day in the kitchen. Check out our list of some of our favorite skillet casseroles for supper made simple.

Why do they call it a John Wayne casserole? ›

John Wayne first wrote the casserole recipe, but it looks a little different today. John Wayne Casserole was first popularized by the 1979 cookbook, "Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends," a collection of different celebrities' favorite dishes.

What was the original casserole? ›

Casserole history

Apparently, casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals. The oldest recipe for a casserole, around 1250, consisted of pasta sheets cooked in water, layered with grated cheese and spices.

What caused John Wayne's death? ›

Wayne made his last public appearance at the Academy Awards ceremony on April 9, 1979, and died of stomach cancer two months later. In 1980, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor of the United States.

Where is Tater Tot casserole from? ›

If you grew up in the Midwest or even if you're new to the area, chances are you've heard about the Minnesota tater tot hotdish. Hotdish is the unofficial state cuisine of Minnesota and a go-to for busy families.

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