Let’s talk about Taco Bake Casserole – the ultimate freezer meal that’s about to revolutionize your dinnertime routine. Picture this: layers of zesty ground beef, beans, veggies, and gooey cheese, all baked together for a meal that’s as flavorful as it is convenient. It’s the kind of dish that brings joy to your taste buds and ease to your hectic schedule.
In the hustle and bustle of family life, having make-ahead meals like Taco Bake Casserole is an absolute game-changer. Spend a little time prepping this dish in advance, pop it in the freezer, and you’ll thank yourself later when dinner practically cooks itself. No more scrambling to throw together a meal at the last minute – with this casserole in your freezer, you’re always just a bake away from a delicious homemade dinner.
So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and join me in the kitchen? Let’s embark on a culinary adventure together as we whip up this mouthwatering Taco Bake Casserole. With its irresistible flavors and make-ahead convenience, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Let’s make mealtime magic happen – one delicious bite at a time!
Why You’ll Love this Freezer Meal Taco Bake Casserole
- Emergency Dinner Solution: Perfect for those nights when you forget to plan or don’t have time to cook.
- Impromptu Gatherings: Always be prepared to host friends or family with a delicious meal.
- Work Lunches: Pack leftovers for a tasty and satisfying lunch option.
- Reduced Stress: Eliminate the stress of wondering what to make for dinner.
- Healthier Than Takeout: Enjoy a homemade meal without the added sodium and preservatives.
- Teachable Moment: Involve kids in meal prep by assembling the casserole together.
- 1 9X13 Casserole dish Aluminum or Glass
- 1 lbs Ground beef
- 2 tbsp Taco seasoning
- 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes can
- 1 cup Yellow onions diced
- 14.5 oz Black beans can
- 14.5 oz Refried beans can
- 1 cup Frozen corn
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 6-8 small GF corn tortillas
- 2 cups Lettuce shredded
- 2 Tomatoes diced
- 1 cup Salsa heat of preference
- Label a 9×13 pan/casserole dish according to your preferred method.Â
- Cook ground beef in skillet, and drain.
- Add to large mixing bowl, cooked beef, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, onion, black beans, corn, salt and black pepper and stir to combine.Â
- Spread refried beans onto base of 9×13 dish. The layer taco bake as follows: corn tortillas, ½ beef mixture, 2/3 cup cheese, corn tortillas. Remaining beef mixture, remaining cheese.
- Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Â
- Preheat oven to 400F
- Remove taco bake from freezer and place in preheated oven covered with aluminum foil. Cook for 40 minutes.Â
- Uncover and cook an additional 40-45 minutes.Â
- Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Top with your favorite fresh taco toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, etc..
Equipment needed to Make Ahead Casserole Taco Bake:
- 9×13 Casserole Dish, aluminum or glass
Ingredients for your Taco Bake Casserole
- 1 lbs Ground beef
- 2 tbsp Taco seasoning
- 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes, can
- 1 cup Yellow onions, diced
- 14.5 oz Black beans, can
- 14.5 oz Refried beans, can
- 1 cup Frozen corn
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 6-8 small GF corn tortillas
- For Serving:
- 2 cups Lettuce shredded
- 2 Tomatoes diced
- 1 cup, Salsa heat of preference
How to make a Taco Bake Casserole
Prep/freezer directions:
- Label a 9×13 pan/casserole dish according to your preferred method.
- Cook ground beef in skillet, and drain.
- Add to large mixing bowl, cooked beef, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, onion, black beans, corn, salt and black pepper and stir to combine.
- Spread refried beans onto base of 9×13 dish. The layer taco bake as follows: corn tortillas, ½ beef mixture, 2/3 cup cheese, corn tortillas. Remaining beef mixture, remaining cheese.
- Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.
Oven cooking directions:
- Preheat oven to 400F
- Remove taco bake from freezer and place in preheated oven covered with aluminum foil. Cook for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and cook an additional 40-45 minutes.
- Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Top with your favorite fresh taco toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, etc..
What to pair with your Easy Taco Casserole
Sides:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Avocado Tomato Salad
- Mexican Rice
Desserts:
- Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Mexican Chocolate Lava Cakes
- Tres Leches Cake
Mocktails:
- Virgin Mojito
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Pineapple Coconut Mockarita
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Ground Turkey: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. Cook the ground turkey in the same way you would cook the ground beef.
- Vegetarian Option – Lentils: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version. Cook the lentils separately according to package instructions, then season them with the taco seasoning before adding them to the casserole.
- Sweet Potato: For a twist, swap the ground beef with diced sweet potatoes. Sauté the diced sweet potatoes with the diced onions until they’re tender, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Additions:
- Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers (any color) for extra flavor and color. Sauté them along with the onions until they’re softened before combining them with the other ingredients.
- Chopped Spinach: Incorporate chopped spinach for added nutrition. Thaw and drain the frozen spinach, then add it to the casserole mixture along with the other ingredients.
- Salsa Verde: Enhance the flavor with a layer of salsa verde. Spread a thin layer of salsa verde on top of the tortillas before adding the casserole mixture.
These substitutions and additions will provide variety and accommodate different dietary preferences while still ensuring the freezer-friendly nature of the recipes.
How to Reheat and Store Taco Bake Casserole
Best way to store Freezable Dinner Taco Recipe leftovers?
The best way to store your leftover taco bake casserole will be to begin by portioning out your leftovers into smaller servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
Then, allow your leftovers to cool before placing them in storage containers. Make sure tight fighting lids are used. Then, place the airtight container in the fridge promptly. It is always a good idea to label your containers to keep track of freshness.
How long will Taco Bake Casserole last in the fridge?
Leftover taco bake can typically last 4-5 days in the fridge, while it has been cooled, and stored correctly.
Can I freeze Tex-Mex Freezer Casserole?
If you won’t be able to consume your leftovers within a few days, consider freezing it for longer-term storage. Ensure the container is freezer safe, or use a freezer bag, and leave some room for expansion as the food freezes.
How to reheat quick freeze taco bake casserole?
The best way to reheat your leftover is to allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, if it has been frozen. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring it trachea an internal temperature of 165F.
Using the oven is another great way to reheat. Preheat the oven at 350F. Then place the desired leftovers on a baking sheet with parchment paper, and heat for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Family-Friendly Taco Bake Freezer Meal FAQs
Other Casserole Recipes You’ll Love
- Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Pesto Chicken and Veggies
- Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole
- Garlic Butter Salmon With Asparagus
- Maple Mustard Salmon and Brussels Sprouts
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later!
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Taco Bake Casserole turned out!
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