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Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for the whole family? This Gluten Free Taco Casserole is just what you need! Packed with flavor and simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
I first discovered this recipe when I was searching for a gluten-free alternative to traditional taco night. My family loves Mexican-inspired dishes, and this casserole has become a staple in our home. It’s hearty, flavorful, and best of all, it’s gluten-free!
Get ready to cook up a storm with this amazing Gluten Free Taco Casserole recipe!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Chop your onions and olives, measure out your spices, and shred your cheese. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 ½ pounds |
| Yellow Onion, chopped | 1 small |
| Black Olives, chopped | 1 – 6 ounce can |
| Fire Roasted Tomatoes | 1 – 15 ounce can |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 – 15 ounce can |
| Chili Powder | 2 tsp. |
| Ground Cumin | 1 ½ tsp. |
| Smoked Paprika | 1 tsp. |
| Sea Salt | 1 tsp. |
| Onion Powder | ½ tsp. |
| Garlic Powder | ½ tsp. |
| Dried Oregano | ½ tsp. |
| Ground Black Pepper | ½ tsp. |
| Corn Tortillas | 12 – 6 inch |
| Cheddar Cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- In a frying pan, cook the ground beef until there is just a little pink left.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they are beginning to become translucent.
- Add the olives, roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper. Cook until warmed through and simmering slightly.
- In a 9×13 baking dish, spoon a layer of the beef mixture to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Add a layer of 6 corn tortillas.
- Then add another layer of the beef mixture.
- Top this layer with half the cheese and then add the remaining 6 corn tortillas.
- Finally, top the casserole with the last of the beef mixture and the rest of the cheese.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. The cheese should be melted, but the casserole may not be bubbling.
- Serve hot with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, sour cream, lemon wedges, or salsa.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure to layer your ingredients evenly. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.
For more delicious gluten-free recipes, check out Gluten Free Hamburger Helper Best Gf Ideas.
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Gluten Free Taco Casserole
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Taco Casserole is the best Mexican-inspired comfort food you’ll make all week. Think of it as a crunchy, cheesy taco lasagna. Layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and sweet corn are stacked with gluten-free tortilla chips and plenty of melted cheddar. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
— The Meat Mixture —
1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons homemade or certified GF taco seasoning
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 can (10 oz) mild Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
½ cup tomato sauce
— The Layers —
6 cups gluten-free corn tortilla chips (roughly crushed)
2 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend or sharp cheddar cheese
— Fresh Toppings (The ‘Best’ Part) —
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Sliced black olives
Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
3. Season & Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, Rotel (undrained), and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Layer 1: Spread about 2 cups of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Layer 2: Spoon half of the meat mixture over the chips. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
6. Layer 3: Add another layer of tortilla chips (about 2 cups) and the remaining meat mixture.
7. Top: Finish with the remaining crushed chips and the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheese.
8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
9. Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Top generously with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, olives, and cilantro right on the plate.
Notes
Chip Texture: The chips on the bottom will soften slightly (like an enchilada), while the chips on top stay crunchy. If you prefer extra crunch, serve the casserole over a bed of fresh chips instead of baking them inside.
Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture or use ‘Hot’ Rotel for a spicy kick.
Meal Prep: You can make the meat mixture ahead of time. When ready to eat, just assemble the layers and bake.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheddar shreds and serve with avocado instead of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 65
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would work well.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd.
Dig In & Enjoy!
This Gluten Free Taco Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal!
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