Name: Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 something so irresistibly comforting about a dish that layers bold flavors with satisfying textures, and that’s exactly why this Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe has a special place in my kitchen. It’s like taco night met a cozy casserole and they decided to throw a party—you’re going to love every bite!

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a layered serving of a baked dish. The dish has a base layer of melted orange cheese that covers a mixture with visible black beans, corn, and browned bits of meat mixed with red sauce, showing through the top melted cheese. Next to it are three slices of fresh, light green avocado and a pile of shredded green lettuce. A silver fork with a small spicy layered bite rests on the plate’s edge, next to the main dish. At the top right corner, part of a white baking dish shows more of the cheesy layered casserole, and at the top left, a half avocado is placed on a white plate. 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

Trust me, I wasn’t expecting to fall head over heels for the Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe when I first tried it, but it quickly became a staple. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just spoiling yourself with layers of cheesy, seasoned goodness.

Layered Flavor Explosion: Each layer brings something special—from the spiced beef and chiles to the melty cheddar.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep it in advance, which means less stress on busy days.
Party Ready: Slices into perfect portions for sharing, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s familiar taco flavors but baked into a hearty casserole you'll want to make again and again.

The image shows a close-up view of a baked dish in a white rectangular ceramic pan with one slice removed. The dish has three clear layers: the bottom layer is a dense, golden-brown base mixed with small bits of red and yellow ingredients; the middle layer is thicker and contains chunks of black beans, corn, and red bell peppers, giving it a colorful, textured look; the top layer is covered with melted yellow cheese that looks bubbly and slightly browned in places. The background features a blurred plate with green leafy salad on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances the richness of seasoned beef with the freshness of veggies and the comforting bite of corn tortillas. Shopping for fresh bell peppers and good-quality cheddar always makes a difference, so keep an eye out for those.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh raw ground beef, a whole bright red bell pepper sliced in half revealing seeds, a whole yellow onion diced into chunks, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing reddish chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown cumin powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl holding diced green hatch chiles, a small white ceramic bowl of golden sweet corn kernels, a small white ceramic bowl of shiny black beans, a small white ceramic bowl of red diced tomatoes with juice, a neat stack of twelve fresh yellow corn tortillas, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese placed 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: Choose lean ground beef (around 90%) to avoid excess grease but still keep flavor rich.
Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch to balance the savory meat.
Onion: Provides aromatic depth and sweetness when cooked down.
Garlic: A little punch of flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Chili Powder & Cumin: Classic taco spices that build the warm, smoky base.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling for a perfect, sliceable texture.
Hatch Chiles: Adds mild heat and a distinctive southwestern kick.
Sweet Corn: Sweetness and texture contrast that brightens the dish.
Black Beans: For heartiness and extra protein.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a slight tang to balance the richness.
Corn Tortillas: Soft yet sturdier than flour tortillas, perfect for layering.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it pulls everything together with creamy goodness.

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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

I love mixing up this Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or how spicy I’m feeling. You can easily customize it, so don’t be afraid to play around and make it yours.

Variation: I sometimes swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner twist—and honestly, it still delivers all that beloved taco flavor.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little extra kick.
Make It Vegetarian: Leave out the meat and pile on more beans, corn, and veggies for a delicious meatless version.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or a Mexican blend for a creamier melt or more heat.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Veggies

Start by browning your ground beef in a large saucepan over medium heat. Make sure to break it up well so you get those nice little crumbles that soak up all the spices. Once it’s about halfway done, throw in your diced bell pepper, onion, garlic, and salt. The onions should turn soft and fragrant—usually about 4-6 minutes. This step is key for building the depth of flavor. Don’t rush it!

Step 2: Spice It Up and Thicken

Add chili powder and cumin to the beef mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes until the spices are toasty and aromatic. Then sprinkle the flour over the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes to help thicken everything up. This guarantees that filling won’t get watery during baking.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff and Simmer

Mix in the hatch chiles, sweet corn, black beans, and the diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes to marry those flavors. Then take it off the heat and let it cool slightly while you prep your baking dish.

Step 4: Layer, Layer, Layer

Grease your baking dish well, then spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom. Layer six corn tortillas on top, overlapping them and letting them creep up the sides a bit to form a sort of base. Then cover the tortillas with half the remaining meat filling, followed by half the shredded cheddar. Repeat with the rest of the meat, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake and Chill

Bake in a 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing—this step is super important to help the casserole set up and slice neatly.

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole dozens of times, and here are the little tricks that make it foolproof—and an absolute hit every time.

Char Your Tortillas: Quickly char the corn tortillas in a dry pan before layering. It adds a nice smoky flavor and keeps them from getting mushy.
Drain Excess Liquid: If you use very lean beef or canned ingredients with extra juice, drain the meat or simmer the filling a little longer to avoid a watery casserole.
Freshly Shred Cheese: Grating cheese from a block melts creamier and tastes fresher than pre-shredded bags.
Cool Before Slicing: It’s tempting to dig in, but letting the casserole rest helps it set so you get perfect squares instead of a sloppy mess.

How to Serve Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe

Loaded Taco Squares - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with dollops of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Sometimes I add diced avocado or a handful of sliced green onions. These little touches brighten the casserole and add fresh, cool contrasts that make each bite even better.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or a crisp slaw for a well-rounded meal. On busy nights, I’ve even served it alongside chips and salsa for an easy taco bar vibe that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I line up the taco squares on a large platter and garnish with lots of colorful chopped veggies and fresh herbs. It makes the dish look festive and lets guests grab a perfect portion without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen overnight, but be sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling, cut it into squares and freeze in a single layer on a tray. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you want a quick meal, just reheat from frozen or overnight thaw and bake until bubbly.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F to keep the cheese melty and the edges crispy. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the tortillas a bit soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! To keep it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the filling. Also, double-check your spice blends and canned ingredients to make sure they're gluten-free.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if it’s coming right from the fridge.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar gives this casserole a wonderful tang and melts beautifully. If you want a cheesier flavor or some spice, try mixing in pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra black beans, corn, or your favorite veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. The spices and layered flavors still shine through beautifully without the meat.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Taco Squares Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s simple enough to make any night but impressive enough to serve guests without breaking a sweat. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and let those cozy, spicy layers win you over the way they did me.