Ortega Taco Casserole Recipe | Easy & Cheesy
Craving a cozy, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner that the whole family will love? My Ortega Taco Casserole Recipe is the answer! This dish brings all the zesty flavors of tacos into a cheesy, oven-baked casserole that’s both hearty and easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game nights, it’s a recipe that satisfies cravings and gets rave reviews every single time.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12×8-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease for a lighter casserole.
Step 3: Add the Flavors
Stir in 1 cup of water, Ortega taco sauce, green chiles, sliced olives, and the Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend into a rich, taco-inspired sauce.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- Place half of the tortilla shells (or crushed chips if using) on the bottom of your greased baking dish.
- Spread half of the meat mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted into gooey perfection.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh tomatoes, green onions, and the remaining olives for a burst of freshness and color.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is already a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can take it to the next level:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the cheesy richness.
- Spanish Rice or Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that complements the taco flavors.
- Corn on the Cob or Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Adds a smoky, creamy touch.
- Toppings Bar: Set out bowls of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños so everyone can customize their serving.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can switch it up depending on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences:
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and bulk it up with black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Use Ortega Hot Taco Sauce or pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers for a lighter version.
- Breakfast Twist: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a Tex-Mex morning casserole.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to cut down on grease while keeping the flavor.
- Layer evenly so each bite has a perfect balance of tortillas, meat, and cheese.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking; this helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
- Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd; it’s always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
Storage Instructions
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you have leftovers (and trust me, they taste even better the next day!), cover the casserole dish with foil or transfer portions into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing Ortega Taco Casserole
This casserole is freezer-friendly! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Reheating Tips
For the best results, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave to keep the cheese melty and the tortillas from getting soggy. Cover with foil while reheating to prevent drying out.
Ortega Taco Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
Cooking this casserole is super simple, and with just a few basic tools, you’ll have everything you need:- Large Skillet: To brown the beef and prepare the meat sauce.
- Mixing Spoon: For stirring in seasoning, sauces, and veggies.
- 12×8-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for layering your casserole.
- Cheese Grater: In case you’re shredding fresh cheese.
- Oven Mitts: For safely handling the hot dish when it’s ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Ortega Taco Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! I often prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake it at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
What sides go best with taco casserole?
I love serving this casserole with a fresh green salad, Spanish rice, or even Mexican street corn. A toppings bar with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños also makes it extra fun and customizable.
Can I freeze Ortega Taco Casserole?
Absolutely! Once cooled, I wrap the casserole tightly in foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When reheating, I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge and baking at 350°F until heated through.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a meatless version, I swap the beef for black beans, pinto beans, or even a mix of beans and sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. The flavors are still incredible, and it makes a hearty vegetarian meal.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! While I love using mild cheddar, I sometimes mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor. A three-cheese blend also makes it extra gooey and delicious.
Conclusion
My Ortega Taco Casserole Recipe is the perfect blend of cheesy comfort food and zesty Mexican-inspired flavors. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and always a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a party, or even meal prepping ahead of time, this casserole is sure to win hearts (and appetites!).
So, grab your Ortega taco seasoning, a pack of tortillas, and some cheese, and let’s turn taco night into something even more irresistible. Once you try it, this recipe will definitely earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
