Name: Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 2 lb ground beef; 1 bell pepper seeded and diced; 1 onion diced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 ½ tsp cumin; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 4-oz can hatch chiles; 1 cup canned or frozen sweet corn; 1 15-oz can black beans rinsed and drained; 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes; 12 corn tortillas; 12 oz cheddar cheese shredded

There’s just something so comforting about a hearty, cheesy bake that brings all your favorite taco flavors together. The Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe is my go-to when I want something crowd-pleasing, easy to whip up, and loaded with layers of goodness that practically melt in your mouth.

A white round plate shows a square piece of layered casserole with melted orange cheese on top. The casserole has one visible main layer filled with dark beans, corn, and ground meat mixed with tomato sauce. Next to the casserole on the plate is a pile of shredded green lettuce and three slices of avocado with light green flesh. A fork with a piece of the casserole rests on the left side of the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a halved avocado on a white plate near the top left and a white baking dish with more casserole visible on the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this casserole, I find myself amazed at how simple ingredients can come together to create such a flavorful fiesta in every bite. It’s the perfect dish for busy nights, picky eaters, and even unexpected guests.

Layered Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers seasoned beef, melty cheese, and fresh vegetables that dance together perfectly.
One-Dish Wonder: No need to fuss with a million pots and pans—everything bakes together in one casserole dish.
Easy to Customize: You can easily swap ingredients to suit what you have on hand or dietary needs.
Feeds a Crowd: Generous portions mean leftovers for days or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish with a layered casserole inside. There are three visible layers: the bottom layer is soft and light brown, the middle layer is filled with diced red bell peppers, black beans, corn, and finely chopped onions mixing together with a reddish sauce, and the top layer is golden melted cheese with a slightly browned, bubbly texture. A triangular piece has been taken out, showing the thickness and detailed layers of the dish. In the blurred background, there are white bowls containing chopped green lettuce on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe is a delicious balance of savory, spicy, and fresh elements that make each ingredient shine while complementing one another beautifully. Here’s why the components come together so well.

Flat lay of a raw 2 lb ground beef patty, a whole red bell pepper diced, a white onion diced, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of chili powder, a small white bowl of ground cumin, a small white bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing chopped fresh hatch chiles, a small white bowl of sweet corn kernels, a small white bowl of black beans, a small white bowl filled with diced fresh tomatoes and their juice, a neat stack of fresh corn tortillas, a small white bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor; I prefer 90% lean for less grease but without drying out.
Bell pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch that brighten up the dish.
Onion: Softens and lends a subtle natural sweetness when cooked.
Garlic: Brings depth and a fragrant punch.
Kosher salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
Chili powder: The warming spice that gives the taco filling its signature kick.
Cumin: Adds earthiness and smoky notes.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling for a casserole that isn’t too soupy.
Hatch chiles: A punch of smoky heat that elevates the filling wonderfully.
Sweet corn: Brings a pop of sweetness and texture.
Black beans: Offer extra protein and creaminess while boosting heartiness.
Diced tomatoes: Add moisture, acidity, and a fresh burst of flavor.
Corn tortillas: I love using these because they soak up flavors while holding everything together perfectly.
Cheddar cheese: Gooey, melty bliss that binds layers and adds rich creaminess.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Whether you like it a bit spicier or want to sneak in some extra veggies, this recipe is a blank canvas. I often toss in some diced zucchini for extra color or swap cheddar for pepper jack when I’m feeling adventurous.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve tried swapping the beef for a mixture of mushrooms and lentils—turns out just as satisfying and hearty.
Spice It Up: Adding a jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper kicked the heat level up perfectly in my last batch.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free flour or corn starch and make sure your tortillas are labeled gluten-free.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Veggies

Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. This step is key for developing flavor—I like to break the meat apart well so it’s evenly cooked. Then stir in diced bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Cook for about 4-6 minutes until the onions soften and everything smells amazing. This is where your base flavor develops, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Spice Things Up

Sprinkle in chili powder and cumin, stirring to coat everything. Let the spices bloom for 1-2 minutes until you can smell their warmth filling your kitchen. Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and cook for another 2 minutes—this step thickens the sauce so your casserole isn't watery.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

Pour in the hatch chiles, sweet corn, rinsed black beans, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors—then take it off the heat. I usually taste here and tweak salt or spice if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, then spread about a cup of the meat filling on the bottom as a thin layer. Next, overlap six corn tortillas over the filling, slightly going up the sides to create a sturdy layer. Spread half of the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar. Repeat these layers, ending with the remaining cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Bake your casserole in a 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and the cheese on top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set so you get clean squares. Trust me, this step makes serving much easier and less messy!

Top Tip

From the many times I’ve made this Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe, these tips have made all the difference in getting it just right every time.

Drain Excess Fat: If your beef releases a lot of liquid, don’t hesitate to drain it off before adding veggies—this keeps the casserole from being soggy.
Char Your Tortillas: I often char tortillas in a dry skillet for a minute each side before assembling—this adds a smoky flavor and helps them hold up better while baking.
Fresh Cheese Matters: Shred your cheddar from a block rather than using pre-shredded for better melting and creamier flavor.
Patience for Cooling: Let the casserole rest before cutting. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but waiting ensures cleaner pieces and less runny filling.

How to Serve Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe

Loaded Taco Squares - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh diced avocado or guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Sometimes I add a little sliced green onion or pickled jalapeños for a tangy bite. The bright garnishes add freshness that balances the rich casserole.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love serving this with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, Mexican rice, or a simple corn and black bean salad. A side of tortilla chips and salsa on the table always adds a festive touch!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to make mini versions in muffin tins—perfect for easy grab-and-go portions. Another time, I arranged the casserole in a layered trifle dish for a fun, casual buffet presentation that got lots of compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist and avoid drying out the cheese.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully too. After baking, I cool it completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before popping it in the freezer. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to preserve texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming servings in the oven at 325°F until hot throughout—usually about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and the tortillas from getting chewy like a microwave can cause.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even extra beans for a delicious vegetarian version. Adjust spices as needed.

What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from being soggy?

Make sure to brown and drain the beef well if it releases excess liquid. Also, lightly charring the tortillas before layering helps prevent sogginess by creating a barrier.

Can I prepare the casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s chilled.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

While you can substitute flour tortillas, corn tortillas hold up better in this recipe and add more authentic flavor and texture. If using flour, consider reducing liquid slightly to avoid sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s approachable, flexible, and truly satisfying—like a warm hug on a plate. I promise, once you try it, you'll be reaching for this recipe again and again when you want to wow family or feed a hungry crowd. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy all those delicious layers!