Zesty Taco Casserole Bake (with Sour Cream Lime Twist)

Because taco-night deserves a glow-up. This easy, oven-baked Taco Casserole brings the bold flavors of Taco Tuesday to a whole new level with layers of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a tangy sour cream lime blend. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Layer

• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 1 lb 97/7 ground beef
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (deseeded if you prefer less heat)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp beef bouillon
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp each: Tajin, Sazon, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning
• All-purpose seasoning, to taste

For the Base & Toppings

• 16 oz refried beans
• 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded (divided)
• 1 cup crushed nacho cheese Doritos
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes, diced

Sour Cream Lime Layer

• 2 cups sour cream
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Step-by-Step: How to Make Taco Casserole

Step 1 – Prep Like a Pro

Start by organizing all your ingredients. Dice your onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and tomatoes. Grate your cheese if you’re not using pre-shredded. This makes assembly faster and cleaner.

Step 2 – Let’s Make Pico

• For the pico, we are keeping it simple; Just tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, lime, and cilantro. Season to taste and boom… perfection.
• This will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days easily and makes for a great snack or to top off an omelette in the morning.

Step 4 – Cook the Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown both ground beefs until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
• Add the diced onion and jalapeños. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.

Step 5 – Add Flavor Base

• Measure out the seasonings and add once you begin cooking the beef. (Optionally you could use ground turkey or chicken too)

• It’s important to brown your meat thoroughly. This will add texture, color, and flavor.

• Stir in beef bouillon, water, and your seasonings (Sazon, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and all-purpose seasoning). Simmer until the mixture is thickened and aromatic.

Step 6 – Grate Cheese

• You can use store-bought pre-shredded cheese here, but I am a fan of grating it myself. You can also have free reign to decide what cheese blend you want to use. I like Colby or Monterey Jack. Pepperjack would work too as a spicier option.

Step 7 – Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13″ baking dish, layer the casserole as follows:

1. Spread refried beans across the bottom.
2. Add the seasoned beef mixture evenly.
3. Spread the sour cream lime mixture over the beef.
4. Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded cheese.
5. Add the crushed Doritos for a crunchy topping.

Optionally, I like to add a layer of cotija cheese on top. I had some in the fridge so decided to add it here, but I don’t always. 

Step 8 – Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Step 9 – Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with the remaining cheese, black olives, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.

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Tips for Serving & Storage

What to Serve With Taco Casserole

• Tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas
• Sliced avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce
• Fresh pico de gallo (optional, but delish!)

Leftover Love

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Tastes even better the next day!

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Why This Taco Casserole Stands Out

This isn’t your basic taco bake. With two types of beef, bold seasoning, and a citrusy sour cream layer, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time, this one’s a certified winner.

Try It & Share It!

Love this recipe? Leave a comment below or tag your version with #ZestyTacoBake on social media. We love seeing your creations!

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