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

Quick Bread

Indian Fry Bread Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker

Crock Pot Shredded Beef Tacos

Easy Grilling

Pollo Asado

Quick and Easy Breakfast

Chorizo Breakfast Casserole

Easy Mexican

Homemade Taco Shells Recipe

Easy Casserole

Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Easy Mexican

Taco Bowl Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker

Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken

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.

How do you reheat frozen breakfast casserole? ›

If you want to freeze the casserole and reheat

Pre-bake the casserole as instructed above, then cool to room temperature and cover tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, then reheat in a 350 F oven for 1 hour. Uncover and bake for 30 minutes more, until completely warmed through and browned on top.

How hot should a casserole be? ›

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

How do you spruce up a taco kit? ›

Upgrade Boxed Tacos
  1. Box of Taco Shells.
  2. Taco Seasoning Packet.
  3. Ground Meat ( we use beef or chicken)
  4. Diced sweet or white onion.
  5. Bell Pepper any color will do.
  6. 1 Diced Jalapeno.
  7. 1 Chipotle in adobo (you can add more if you want it hotter)
  8. Salsa.

What is Jackie Kennedy casserole? ›

A seemingly simple, tender noodle dish with plenty of cheesy, tangy flavor, and the refreshing garden sharpness of chives, Jackie Kennedy's Special Casserole is delicate and hearty at the same time, heartwarmingly homemade yet delightfully classic.

What is the oldest known casserole? ›

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

Why is my breakfast casserole soggy? ›

Incorrect oven temperature - Casseroles that are baked at an oven temperature that is too low may not cook evenly, resulting in a soggy top and a firm or crunchy bottom. Too much liquid - Casseroles that have too much liquid may not be able to absorb all of the moisture, leading to a soggy top.

Why do you have to refrigerate breakfast casserole overnight? ›

The casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the liquid ingredients to be absorbed into the bread. This is a perishable mixture and should be cooked the morning or day after assembly. Bake in an oven set no lower than 325 °F. Most recipes suggest 350 °F.

Is it better to freeze a breakfast casserole cooked or uncooked? ›

The answer depends on what's in it. Casseroles with raw protein (meat, poultry, seafood) should be completely cooked before freezing. However dishes with pre-cooked meats or no meat are fine to go in the freezer uncooked.

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

Make-ahead meals (especially baked casseroles) are terrific because you can completely assemble them in advance and bake them just before serving. They're the ultimate comfort food as they come bubbling hot and delicious straight from the oven to the table to the delight of family and friends.

Do I bake my casserole covered or uncovered? ›

Uncovering the foods promotes browning and crisping, and reduces the amount of liquid in the finished dish. If a casserole looks soupy when it's ready to bake, bake it uncovered unless the ingredients include pasta or rice, which absorb liquid.

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

What makes tacos taste better? ›

Not enough people use cilantro. Iceberg lettuce can be refreshing in a burrito, but when it comes to tacos, cilantro, onion and lime are king. I know Tex-Mex enthusiasts love their dairy on a taco. Big pinches of cheddar cheese that lack flavor or the ability to melt.

What can I eat with tacos besides rice? ›

get ready to spice up the spread with these 10 scrumptious sides you can make at home!
  1. Refried Beans. ...
  2. Traditional Mexican Rice. ...
  3. Taco Slaw. ...
  4. Seven-Layer Dip. ...
  5. Mexican Street Corn Salad. ...
  6. Zesty Black Bean Salad. ...
  7. Grilled Corn on the Cob. ...
  8. Jalapeño Poppers.
Jul 11, 2023

What is the sauce in a taco kit? ›

Taco Sauce: Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), Water, Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Modified Corn Starch, Spices, Paprika, Citric Acid, Green Chili Powder, Sodium Benzoate (To Preserve Freshness), Xanthan Gum, Onion Powder.

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 is the main ingredient in a casserole? ›

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 are casserole dishes made of? ›

“A casserole dish and a baking dish are the same thing, an oven-safe piece of cookware, usually made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass,” says Anthony Contrino, Emmy-awarded culinary producer and food stylist. "They can come in various shapes, with the most common being rectangular, oval, or square.

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.

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