Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole is a comforting casserole with all your favorite flavors of tacos! This quick and easy dinner recipe is made with egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, corn, peppers and cheese. Your family will love this quick and easy dinner recipe.

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Casseroles bring back all kinds of memories from my childhood. They were a staple dinner item and I’ve continued the tradition by making them for my family! One of our favorite casseroles is this delicious taco casserole that I love to make when I’m craving tacos but want a more comforting, hearty meal instead.

This time I took this classic recipe and replaced the dry egg noodles for frozen egg noodles and it was a hit! Taco creations are one of my favorite things to make. Whether it’s crescent roll taco ring, easy taco dip or this hearty casserole, there is no shortage of fun recipes inspired by tacos. If you need to eat supper on the run, Walking Taco Casserole has got you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This easy taco casserole has layers of egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, corn, peppers, and enchilada sauce that come together to make an epic casserole. It’s drool-worthy and super family friendly.
• Taco noodle casserole is great to prep ahead of time. The prep time is quick, then you’ll just assemble and store in the fridge or freezer to bake later.
• Easily adjust this recipe to fit your preferences. Add more fun ingredients into the mix, change up the spices, add fun toppings — the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients Needed

• Reames Frozen Egg Noodles – We prefer these, but you could also use dry egg noodles. Make sure to prepare according to package before adding them to the casserole.
• Ground beef – Ground turkey and ground chicken can also be substituted for the ground beef. Make sure you use lean ground beef to keep the casserole from being super greasy.
• Taco seasoning – Grab a packet of seasoning or make your own taco seasoning.
• Rotel Original – Spice it up and use the spicy Rotel instead. Or lessen the spice and use regular diced tomatoes.
• Red enchilada sauce – There’s not a great substitute for this other than making your own.
• Corn & diced peppers – If you can’t find this, then grab a can of corn or use frozen corn and add in a can of diced peppers!
• Mexican cheese – Cut down on the spiciness of the dish and use a sharp or mild cheddar cheese. Monterey jack cheese, colby jack and Mexican blend all work too.
• Green onions – If you don’t enjoy onions, you can omit this ingredient!
• Sour cream – Another option is plain Greek yogurt. It will make this casserole extra extra creamy.

How to Make Taco Casserole

1. Grab your egg noodles and prepare them to according to the directions on the package.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain off the excess grease and then prepare the beef with taco seasoning according to package directions.
3. In a mixing bowl combine Rotel, enchilada sauce, corn and diced peppers. Add the seasoned ground beef when it’s done cooking and stir the beef mixture together to combine all ingredinets.
4. After the egg noodles are prepared, drain the water and add to taco casserole filling mixture, then stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into greased 2 quart casserole dish and the top with Mexican cheese.
6. Place the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees and bake for 10-15 minutes. Once the cheese melts and the casserole is heated through, you can serve and enjoy!

Toppings for Taco Casserole

Just like regular tacos, you can top this casserole with all of your favorite taco toppings. Here are some tasty ideas:

• diced avocado
• crushed corn chips
• jalapenos
• chopped cilantro
• pico de gallo
• diced tomatoes
• sour cream
• salsa
• shredded lettuce
• hot sauce
• guacamole

Can I make taco casserole ahead of time?

This easy taco casserole recipe can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. It’s perfect for busy nights and it’s also a great idea if you want to bring a meal to someone! Here’s how to prep it ahead of time:

• Prepare the casserole as stated in recipe, but stop before baking.
• Let it the beef mixture and noodles cool, then cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.
• When you are ready to use it take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly.
• Let sit for 5 minutes, add your desired toppings and serve.

Can I freeze taco noodle casserole?

Yup! An even better way to meal prep — make an entire casserole and freeze it until needed. Here’s how to freeze unbaked taco casserole with noodles:

• Prepare the casserole, but do not bake it.
• Allow it to cool completely, then cover the casserole dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the freezer.
• Store for up to 3 months in the freezer!
• When you are ready to bake this dish, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven.
• Then bake the taco casserole, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly.
• Let sit for 5 minutes, add your toppings and enjoy!

What can I add to taco casserole?

There are lots of ways to change up this recipe or elevate your taco casserole! For an extra bold ground beef mixture, add more paprika, cumin and chili powder to the taco seasoning. You can also add more veggies to this dish! Diced bell peppers, diced onion and even black olives would work in this casserole. For extra protein, mix in black beans or pinto beans.

How to Store Leftover Taco Casserole

FRIDGE: Allow leftovers to cool completely then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Leftover casserole will store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

FREEZER: Once the casserole cools completely, then you can freeze it in one large container or place into individual containers to freeze. Freeze for 2-3 months. Allow to thaw in refrigerator overnight when ready to use.

I hope you enjoy this easy taco casserole! It has so much flavor and comes together in a flash. If you need another Tex Mex recipe that’s super easy try our Beef Enchiladas recipe.

More recipes using Hearty Egg Noodles!

• Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet Noodles for an easy dinner.A recipe that the entire family will love!
• Make nd easy, hearty and comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole that is packed with chicken, peas, carrots, corn and egg noodles!
• These easy Baked Pork Chops with Parmesan Garlic Noodles are so yummy. A dinner recipe that aims to please!
• Chicken Noodle Soup never gets old! This easy classic is absolutely delicious and is actually super simple to make.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

 

4.86 from 27 votes

Taco Casserole

All your favorite flavors of tacos in a comforting Taco Casserole perfect for an easy dinner recipe!

Prep:10 minutes mins

Cook:35 minutes mins

Total:45 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• ▢ 16 ounces Frozen Egg Noodles (1 bag)
• ▢ 1 pound ground beef
• ▢ 1 ounces packet taco seasoning + water called for on packet
• ▢ 10 ounces Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies drained
• ▢ 10 ounces red enchilada sauce
• ▢ 15 ounces canned corn & diced peppers drained
• ▢ 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
• ▢ Green onions for garnish
• ▢ Sour Cream for topping

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 2 quart casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
• Prepare frozen egg noodles according to package directions.
• Meanwhile in a large skillet cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, drain grease. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to directions on packet.
• In a large bowl mix together Rotel, enchilada sauce, corn & diced peppers. Stir until combined. When the taco meat is done cooking add into mixture and stir.
• After the egg noodles are done cooking, drain and stir into taco mixture.
• Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese. Place in preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
• Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions. Serve sour cream on the side for topping.

Tips

EXPERT TIPS

• Use a leaner ground beef like 90% lean. This has plenty of flavor but won’t make your casserole overly greasy.
• Grab a block of cheese and grate it yourself. It melts better!
• Add crushed tortilla chips if you want it to be more like tacos.
• Kick it up a notch by using pepper jack cheese.
• Use diced chicken instead of ground beef for a different twist.

MAKE AHEAD FRIENDLY!

This easy casserole can be made up to 2 days ahead of time.

• Prepare casserole as stated in recipe, but stop before baking.
• Let it cool, then cover the casserole dish and place in the refrigerator.
• When you are ready to use it take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly.
• Let sit for 5 minutes, top and serve.

EASY FREEZER RECIPE!

• Prepare casserole, but do not bake it.
• Let it cool, then cover the casserole dish and place in the freezer.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• When ready to use the casserole let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
• When you are ready to prepare it take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly.
• Let sit for 5 minutes, top and serve.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS

Refrigerator – Let any leftovers completely cool then place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Leftover casserole will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezer – Let casserole cool completely then you can freezer it in one container or place in individual containers and freeze. Let thaw in refrigerator overnight when ready to use.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 682kcal (34%), Carbohydrates: 72g (24%), Protein: 37g (74%), Fat: 27g (42%), Saturated Fat: 12g (75%), Cholesterol: 152mg (51%), Sodium: 1251mg (54%), Potassium: 612mg (17%), Fiber: 5g (21%), Sugar: 7g (8%), Vitamin A: 1120IU (22%), Vitamin C: 9mg (11%), Calcium: 312mg (31%), Iron: 4mg (22%)

© Julie's Eats & Treats ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.