Southwestern Taco Casserole

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jan. 04, 2023
When you're bored with traditional tacos, give this filling taco casserole with baking mix a try. It puts the same southwestern taste into a comforting main dish. —Bonnie King, Lansing, Michigan
Southwestern Taco Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 envelopes taco seasoning
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1-1/2 cups biscuit/baking mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, 8-10 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Stir in beans.
  2. Spoon meat mixture into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk and biscuit mix until moistened. Pour over cheese.
  3. Bake, uncovered, until lightly browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Spread with sour cream. Top with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and olives.
Taco Casserole Tips

How do you store taco casserole with baking mix?

Allow your taco casserole with baking mix to cool completely. Then, tightly wrap it in plastic or foil and place in the refrigerator. Most casseroles keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but since this one has a baking mix topping, check it after 1-2 days to be sure it hasn't gotten soggy. Reheat it in the oven until warmed through. Or, freeze the taco casserole (just be sure to hold off on adding the sour cream and toppings until later, right before serving). Learn more about how to freeze a casserole the right way.

What other toppings can you put on top of taco casserole with baking mix?

Try onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, diced avocado, guacamole or cilantro. Get inspired with more southwestern casseroles that use your favorite zesty ingredients.

Can you make taco casserole with baking mix ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the unbaked casserole a day in advance, but we recommend baking it right before you plan to serve (because the baking mix topping is best when it’s fresh and warm from the oven). Look to these tried-and-true casserole tips when making your next comforting meal.

—Amy Glander, Taste of Home Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 633 calories, 36g fat (16g saturated fat), 170mg cholesterol, 1485mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 41g protein.