Beef Taco Casserole

This Beef Taco Casserole captures everything people love about classic tacos — the seasoned beef, sweet peppers, melted cheese, and bold Southwestern spices — all brought together in one warm, comforting skillet.

It’s a dish that transforms humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying, with the spirit of taco night wrapped in the heartiness of a home-cooked casserole.

The base of tender beef and vegetables is simmered in a flavorful tomato and roasted red pepper sauce, allowing every bite to soak up smoky, savory depth. The addition of rice makes it wholesome and filling, while the melted Tex-Mex cheese adds a creamy, irresistible finish. Quick enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to serve guests, this recipe is comfort food at its most effortless and soul-warming — a fusion of taco flavor and family-style comfort.

Why People Will Love This Beef Taco Casserole

All the Comfort of Tacos in One Pan: It delivers the beloved flavors of taco night — seasoned beef, sweet peppers, and melted cheese — in a cozy, spoonable form that’s easy to serve and share.

Effortless, One-Skillet Perfection: Everything cooks in a single pan, from browning the beef to melting the cheese, making cleanup simple without sacrificing any depth of flavor.

Rich and Layered Flavors: The roasted red pepper and tomato soup base adds a smoky sweetness that balances beautifully with the spices, beef, and Tex-Mex cheese.

Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s hearty enough for adults, mild enough for kids, and endlessly customizable — perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Comfort with a Twist: It transforms classic taco ingredients into a comforting casserole, marrying the best of two worlds — the bold spirit of Mexican flavors and the cozy satisfaction of American home cooking.

Key Ingredients:

Lean Ground Beef: The foundation of the dish — hearty, savory, and full-bodied. When browned, it releases rich umami flavor that anchors the entire casserole and gives it that classic taco depth.

Red and Green Bell Peppers: These bring freshness, sweetness, and color contrast. Their natural crispness softens as they cook, creating layers of texture and balancing the richness of the beef.

Campbell’s® Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup: The secret ingredient that transforms this from an ordinary skillet meal into a creamy, flavorful casserole. It infuses the dish with subtle smokiness and a velvety texture.

Instant Rice: Quick-cooking rice absorbs all the bold flavors of the sauce and spices, creating a cohesive, comforting base that ties the casserole together.

Chili Powder & Onion Powder: These classic taco seasonings bring warmth and complexity, infusing the dish with a deep Southwestern aroma that lingers with every bite.

Tex-Mex Cheese Blend: The finishing touch — melted, gooey, and irresistible. It crowns the casserole with creamy richness and a satisfying golden top that completes the dish.

Expert Tips:

Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t rush the browning process — let the beef develop a deep caramelized crust before stirring. This step builds the foundation of rich, meaty flavor that defines the casserole. A quick sear gives you complexity that simple boiling never can.

Layer the Seasoning: Season in stages — a little salt and pepper while browning the beef, then add the chili and onion powder as the sauce simmers. This layering approach enhances the depth of flavor, ensuring every bite tastes balanced and bold.

Use Fire-Roasted Peppers or Tomatoes for Extra Depth: If you can, choose fire-roasted canned tomatoes or char your bell peppers slightly before cooking. That subtle smokiness enhances the red pepper soup’s natural sweetness and adds a rustic note.

Mind the Rice Timing: Add the rice only once the liquid is simmering, and keep the heat low while it cooks. Overheating can make the rice mushy or cause the liquid to evaporate too quickly. Aim for tender grains that soak up the sauce beautifully.

Finish Off with Resting Time: After turning off the heat, keep the lid on for about 5 minutes. This allows the residual steam to melt the cheese completely and helps the casserole settle, giving it a creamy, cohesive texture.

Beef Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 can (10.75 oz) Campbell’s® Condensed Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

1¾ cups water

1 tsp chili powder

2 tsp onion powder

1½ cups uncooked instant rice

1 cup frozen corn

½ cup shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula.

Toss in the chopped red and green bell peppers.

Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2:

Stir in the soup, water, chili powder, and onion powder.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3:

Add the uncooked rice and frozen corn. Stir to combine.

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Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Step 4:

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.

Cover again, remove from heat, and let sit for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5:

Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy taco-style casserole!

Important Notes for Making Beef Taco Casserole:

Choose Quality Beef: Opt for 85–90% lean ground beef — it offers the perfect balance between flavor and tenderness. Too much fat can make the dish greasy, while overly lean meat can dry out and lose its richness.

Drain the Fat, but Not the Flavor: After browning the beef, drain most of the fat but leave a small amount in the skillet. Those residual drippings help carry the spices, giving the casserole a richer, more integrated taste.

Don’t Skip the Sauce Base: The Campbell’s Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup isn’t just a shortcut — it’s the soul of the recipe. It adds creamy texture, gentle sweetness, and smoky undertones that elevate this casserole far above a standard taco bake.

Adjust Spice to Your Preference: For mild flavor, keep the chili powder as is; for a bolder, more authentic taco kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika, ground cumin, or even a few drops of hot sauce. The heat should complement, not overpower, the dish.

Let It Rest Before Serving: After removing the casserole from the heat, cover it and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish absorbing moisture and helps the cheese fully melt, giving the casserole a perfectly creamy, unified consistency.

Make It Your Own: This recipe is wonderfully flexible — you can mix in black beans, diced jalapeños, or even a layer of crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Small tweaks let you tailor it to your family’s taste while keeping its warm, comforting essence.

How to Enjoy Beef Taco Casserole After Cooking:

Let It Set Before Serving: Once you’ve turned off the heat, keep the casserole covered for about 5–10 minutes. This short resting time allows the rice to absorb any remaining sauce and helps the layers firm up slightly, making each serving creamy yet perfectly scoopable.

Serve It Fresh and Hot: Spoon generous portions onto plates while the cheese is still gooey and molten. The best bites come from the contrast — melted Tex-Mex cheese, tender beef, sweet peppers, and tangy sauce all mingling together in one comforting forkful.

Add Fresh Toppings for Balance: The casserole’s richness pairs beautifully with bright, fresh toppings. Add chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness that cuts through the creamy base. Even a spoonful of pico de gallo or salsa verde takes it to another level.

Serve with the Right Sides: For a full meal, pair it with crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or refried beans. If you’re serving guests, warm a stack of flour tortillas or tortilla chips to scoop up the cheesy, saucy goodness.

Turn Leftovers into New Meals: This casserole reheats beautifully and can be repurposed creatively —

Use it as a taco or burrito filling the next day.
Spoon it over baked potatoes or tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist on nachos.
Stuff it into bell peppers and bake for a lighter, make-ahead option.

Enjoy It with the Right Beverage: A cold Mexican lager, a lime spritzer, or even sparkling water with chili-lime salt on the rim complements the bold, cheesy spice of this dish.

Savor the Layers: Don’t rush — each bite tells a story. The roasted tomato sweetness, the warmth of chili powder, the comforting creaminess of melted cheese, and the heartiness of beef come together as one — the perfect meeting of taco flavor and casserole soul.

Nutrition Information:

For your Beef Taco Casserole (per serving, assuming 6 servings total):

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes this Beef Taco Casserole different from a regular taco bake?

This casserole blends all the layers of taco flavor into one creamy, cohesive dish — instead of separate taco fillings, everything simmers together, allowing the rice to absorb the beef juices, roasted pepper sweetness, and Tex-Mex spices. The result is a deep, unified flavor rather than a stacked or layered texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese. Let it cool, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, heat gently on the stove or in the oven until hot, then sprinkle the cheese and cover to melt. This makes it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

Can I substitute the condensed soup if I don’t have Campbell’s Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup?

Yes. You can use tomato soup mixed with a few tablespoons of roasted red pepper purée or fire-roasted crushed tomatoes blended with a splash of cream. These alternatives preserve the casserole’s smooth texture and smoky-sweet depth.

How can I make this dish spicier without overpowering it?

Add a diced jalapeño or poblano pepper when sautéing the beef and bell peppers. You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder when seasoning the sauce. For a finishing touch, drizzle hot sauce or spicy crema on top before serving — the heat should complement the cheese, not drown it.

What are the best toppings and sides to serve with this casserole?

Fresh garnishes elevate its flavor and texture. Try topping it with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with sides like Mexican street corn, black beans, or a light salad with lime vinaigrette. And don’t forget warm tortillas or tortilla chips to scoop up every cheesy, flavorful bite.

How do I keep the rice from turning mushy or overcooked?

The key is to add the rice only after the liquid begins to simmer, then reduce the heat immediately. Instant rice cooks quickly and continues absorbing moisture even off heat, so avoid stirring too much or overcooking. After turning off the stove, let the casserole rest covered — the residual steam will finish the rice perfectly fluffy, not soggy.

Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of instant rice?

Yes — but it changes the cooking time. Regular rice needs more liquid and about 15–20 minutes of simmering, covered, until tender. If using it, increase the water to 2½ cups and check the rice occasionally to prevent sticking. The texture will be slightly firmer and heartier, making the casserole even more satisfying.

How can I deepen the flavor of the beef?

Before adding any liquids, let the beef sear long enough to develop a browned crust — this caramelization creates richness that carries through the whole dish. You can also add a small splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce while browning to boost umami and complexity.

Why is my casserole too runny, and how can I fix it?

If the sauce seems thin, it’s likely due to too much liquid or not enough resting time. Simply remove the lid and simmer uncovered for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the excess moisture evaporate. You can also stir in a small handful of shredded cheese or a spoonful of sour cream to thicken the sauce while enriching its flavor.

Can I make this dish healthier without losing flavor?

Definitely. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein, and swap brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Choose low-sodium soup and reduced-fat cheese to cut back on salt and calories while keeping the creamy, cheesy appeal. Adding extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or black beans also boosts nutrition without compromising taste.