This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Please read our disclosure policy.
A casserole is really the homemade version of fast food. The dish can be made ahead and baked before dinner. And if the dish is large enough, there will be leftovers for many meals afterward. I love a good casserole, and this taco squares casserole was always a favorite growing up. In all honesty, this is just like ground meat tacos layered into a lasagna. All that’s needed is the taco toppings (sour cream, salsa, lettuce), and this becomes a meal that can be completely personalized.
Taco Squares Ingredients
- Ground beef is the main ingredient and flavor for this casserole. Because of this fact, make sure to choose a high-quality, grass-fed meat, which contains more vitamins than grain-fed. Additionally, I opt for 85% lean beef.
- Onion is cooked with the beef to flavor the meat. Instead of sautéing the onion separately from the meat, cooking them together marries all the flavors.
- Chili powder helps provide the iconic taco-style flavor that’s so important in this recipe. Purchased chili powders often contain a mix of paprika, cumin, oregano, onion, and garlic, which creates such a good balance.
- Cumin is added in addition to the chili powder to give an even greater depth of flavor. Plus, it’s quite impactful.
- Oregano also helps boost the flavor in the chili powder and make it more prominent. Try looking for Mexican oregano.
- Diced tomatoes give cohesion to the meat. The tomatoes cook with the spices and meat to create something resembling a sauce. This helps the casserole have the ability to hold together when sliced.
- Flour sprinkled over the meat mixture and cooked slightly ensures the casserole will not be soupy. A little bit goes a long way.
- Corn tortillas are the necessary ingredient that truly makes this a taco. The tortillas act as the “noodles,” creating layers in the casserole. To give them a little more flavor and texture, char them slightly, if you have a gas range.
From the ingredients, you can see that this will have a nostalgic flavor and be absolutely delicious, as so many classic recipes are. The best part is that even if you’re not someone who plans ahead, this goes together quickly, making for a meal in an hour!
More Casserole Recipes
- Chicken pot pie casserole
- Lasagna casserole
- Loaded taco squares casserole
- Chicken pot pie with cheddar crust
- Pizza casserole
Taco Squares Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Break into small pieces, then add the onion and salt. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, 8-10 minutes.2 lbs ground beef, 1 yellow onion, 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- Season: Once the meat is cooked, with the skillet still over medium heat, add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Stir and cook for 1 minute, and add the tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes on low. After 5 minutes, sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and set aside.1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp oregano, ¾ tsp garlic powder, 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- If a gas stove is available, char the tortillas: Turn a burner on low and set a tortilla on for 30 seconds until slightly blackened. Then flip, repeat, and then remove from the flame. Charring is simply an optional step. If not available, move on to the assembly.
- Layer the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, add ½ cup of the meat mixture and spread it over the dish. Add 6 tortillas, slightly overlapping and covering the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the meat mixture and spread evenly. Then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat one time with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese. At this point, the casserole can be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for one day before baking.12 corn tortillas, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Bake in the preheated oven until warmed through, 30-40 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven, cut into squares, and serve with your favorite taco toppings!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Thank you for this recipe! Made it tonight and was a hit with myself and the family! I so enjoy following you and look forward to making many more of your recipes! Thanks for being a breath of fresh air and happiness!
I just loved making and eating this easy recipe. When I was eating it I realized hey it had NO beans and that was a winner winner taco dinner for me. Thanks!
I cut the recipe in half and made it for my husband and I tonight and we both loved it! It’s so simple and easy to throw together, but it was super yummy. It’s going into the family rotation. Thanks Kaleb!
P.S. Don’t skip on charring the tortillas!
LOVED this casserole! It came together so quickly and is so good. Thank you!
Absolutely delicious. I prepared this a day ahead and baked for dinner tonight. I did char the tacos and that adds a good flavor. My family loved it. I can’t wait to make it again.
Hey Kaleb and Happy New Year!
I’ve been enjoying your videos tremendously! Your positive, upbeat attitude is infectious and your gardening, household tips and of course recipes are wonderful. And…I LOVE your historic Midwest home and all the family traditions you willing share. Yesterday I watched you put this casserole together and thought…YES! I had all the ingredients and we were in need of some comfort food. I made a few spice additions to ramp-up the flavor (cumin seeds, chipotle pepper, smoked paprika and a bit of coriander) as well as fresh garlic, chopped jalapeños, green pepper and a bit of tomato paste while cooking the meat with the onions. I also layered in some pinto and black beans while assembling the casserole (added after the meat and before the cheese). Your base recipe provided a great foundation from which to add that personal touch and build a very satisfying meal! Thank you! This one goes in my recipe file for sure!
Would it work using chicken instead in this Taco square casserole?
Got inspired by your video so made it for dinner. I love how simple it is and yet so good! Thanks for this recipe.👌
This delicious, easy recipe is will be a base for many many variations! Thank you for sharing Kaleb! I added a can of mild green Chili’s, made 3 layers instead of two and garnished with black olives on top. Next time I might add frozen corn, or a layer of black beans. And charring the corn tortillas is genius!
Love this tasty looking recipe 😋! Thank you for your awesome meals. You make it fun to cook.