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Get ready to indulge in a compact burst of flavors with this single serve Taco Casserole For One! Imagine a lasagna, but with the spirit of a taco night. This perfectly portioned dish features layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tostadas or taco shells. All of this goodness is baked to perfection and garnished with tangy salsa, creamy sour cream, and rich black olives. You won’t believe how easy this flavorful dish is to make!
Looking to elevate your taco casserole? Complement your single serving casserole with rich and creamy guacamole, flavorful Spanish rice, and fresh and zesty Pico de Gallo.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This recipe doesn’t call for any advanced culinary skills, making it perfect for anyone cooking for one.
- Portion-Control: Designed as a single serving, this casserole helps you indulge without overeating.
- Quick Prep and Cook Time: Cooks in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Scales Beautifully: Want more? This taco casserole recipe doubles or even triples effortlessly.
The Birth Of The Single Serving Taco Casserole: A Nostalgic Tale
Back when my kids were little, I was part of a fantastic playgroup. Once a month, our little crew would rotate homes for playdates. While the children engaged in playtime, us parents had the opportunity to catch up and unwind. Every get-together included a communal lunch provided by that month’s host. During one such gathering, a mom served an unforgettable taco casserole that had us all asking for the recipe.
This single serving Taco Casserole recipe takes a cue from that memorable dish. It captures all the essence and flavors of the original, but in a downsized version ideal for one or two people. Crafted to fit a small baking dish, it’s the perfect solution for satisfying those taco casserole cravings without the leftovers.
What Is A Taco Casserole?
Think of taco casserole like a Mexican lasagna! It has layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a crunchy base. Instead of pasta, we use tostadas (or broken taco shells) which add a satisfying crunch. This single serving version uses three tostadas layered with the beef and cheese – it’s the perfect mix of taco flavors in an easy-to-make format.
RELATED: The Best Apple Recipes For One
Recipe Variations
Feeling creative? The beauty of this taco casserole is its adaptability. Here are some variations that you can try to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Veggie-Laden: Add diced bell peppers, sweet corn, or black beans to the beef mixture for a more nutritious, colorful dish.
- Go Lean: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or even ground chicken for a leaner protein option. You’ll maintain a lot of the flavor while cutting some calories.
- Cheese Switch-Up: Don’t limit yourself to cheddar. Try using a Mexican cheese blend or even crumbled queso fresco for a different cheesy dimension.
- Heat Level: If you love heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños between the layers or mixing some hot sauce into your beef mixture.
- Vegetarian Taco Casserole: Make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat alternatives. You won’t sacrifice flavor while sticking to your dietary needs.
How To Make A Taco Casserole For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a mini taco casserole. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Brown the ground beef in a pan along with chopped onions, garlic and taco seasoning.
- Place a tostada on the bottom of a small baking dish, then spoon the spicy ground beef over the top and add shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top the meat and cheese mixture with another crispy tostada.
- Repeat the layers.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Top with a spoonful of salsa, a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of black olives if you’d like.
Top the meat and cheese mixture with another crispy tostada.
Expert Tips
- Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your Taco Casserole turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
- Consider using Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you have the pantry staples like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, consider whipping up your own taco seasoning. It’s a simple step that lets you control the flavor and salt content. The recipe for it is included below.
- Swap Beef for Turkey: Looking for a lighter option? Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef and it keeps the casserole just as delicious.
- Kick Up the Spice with Pepper Jack: For those who enjoy a little heat, switch out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack. It adds an extra layer of zing to your casserole.
More Single Serving Taco Recipes
Craving more taco goodness? If you loved our single serving taco casserole, then you won’t want to miss these other individually portioned taco recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions
For optimal results, I recommend using a 5x5-inch baking dish for this recipe. This size will accommodate the tostadas and other ingredients perfectly. For more information on suitable cooking and baking dishes, feel free to check out our FAQ section.
Microwave leftover taco casserole in 30 second increments until heated through.
Taco casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerated when stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy taco casserole recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this taco casserole recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Taco Casserole For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ¼ pound ground beef (or use ground turkey)
- ¼ cup salsa
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tostadas (or 3 crumbled taco shells)
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional for topping: Sour cream, black olives, extra salsa
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Heat oil in a small sauté pan on medium high heat.
- Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for a minute more.
- Add the ground beef and cook until meat is browned, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until thoroughly cooked.
- Stir in the salsa, water and taco seasoning. Reduce heat to low and simmer 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sauce with thicken a bit.
- Lightly spray a small baking dish with oil spray. In the baking dish, place 1 tostada or crumbled taco shells.
- Top evenly with beef mixture. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
- Repeat with remaining tostadas, meat and cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Top with sour cream, olives and extra salsa, if desired.
Notes
- Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your Taco Casserole turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
- Opt for Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you have the pantry staples like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, consider whipping up your own taco seasoning. It’s a simple step that lets you control the flavor and salt content. The recipe for it is included below.
- Swap Beef for Turkey: Looking for a lighter option? Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef and it keeps the casserole just as delicious.
- Kick Up the Spice with Pepper Jack: For those who enjoy a little heat, switch out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack. It adds an extra layer of zing to your casserole.
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Hi Joanie. Do you cook the tostada/taco shells per the package directions before layering the casserole, or use them as is and they will cook and crisp up after layered? Thanks so much!
Autumn
I often purchase packaged tostadas that are very crispy. If you use taco shells you don’t need to toast them but could for extra crispiness. If you want to use regular corn tortillas, I recommend frying them as we did in our vegetarian enchiladas recipe: https://onedishkitchen.com/vegetarian-enchiladas-for-one/
I made this recipe and I must say; “DELICIOUS” , We really enjoyed this.
I actually made one serving for me, I ate two meals on this.
Then I also doubled the recipe and made a big one for my son and his house. They enjoyed this also.
It was Tasty, well seasoned, with the taco seasoning, Etc, also the Salsa was adjusted to our Heat preference.
I topped it with Tomatoes diced and green onions,
He added Hotter Salsa, (he likes spicy hotter) and, his gal friend used sour-cream on hers,
I will be Saving and making this again. Freezes well also.
Thank you for this wonderful Tasty dish.
PS; I even took a picture but it wont allow me to post the Picture.
I’m so happy you all enjoyed the taco casserole. Thank you so much for your feedback.
Sounds great! Can the mixed ingredients (not the tostados) be frozen? I would love to make enough of this mixture to make a few future casseroles. Thanks! Love your recipes!
Yes, the filling ingredients can be frozen.
Made this last night. I will make it again. Thx!
I’m glad you enjoyed the casserole.
For any mexican recipe for one, such as this one, taco salad, etc., I purchase the small bag of restaurant style chips, like you find in sandwich shops or near the check out. HTH! Blessings!!!
Great idea, thank you Nikki.
I may have missed it !! But what size baking dish did you use?thank you
I use a 5-inch baking dish or a dish of similar size.
I made this recipe tonight and it was delicious (even followed the recipe for the seasoning blend). My only suggestion would be to drain off any fat from browning the meat before adding the remaining ingredients. I’ll definitely make this again. Thanks for the recipes!
Do you have this recipe for a family size to serve 8?
Loved the single serving. Easy and quick. I used flour tortillas and toasted them in the oven while I was cooking my meat sauce.
The casserole had great body and as usual was better the next day warmed up! Can’t wait to make this for a Church PotLuck dinner.
Thanks for your inspiration.
Gigi,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the taco casserole!
The recipe I used when I made this dish for my family is a little different than this one. It should serve 8, my family of 7 enjoyed it very much.
Here it is:
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup water
* 1/2 cup taco sauce
* 1 can sliced black olives
* 1 package taco seasoning
* 1 package taco shells, broken
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook beef, onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain.
2.) Stir in the taco sauce, water, 1/4 cup olives and the seasoning mix. Bring to a simmer and cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3.) Layer 1/2 of the broken taco shells on the bottom of a greased pan. Cover with half of the meat mixture and sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheese. Repeat layers.
4.) Bake for 25 minutes. Top with olives and chopped tomatoes.
Enjoy!
Lovely recipe, so tasty.
Thank you, Sara.
Joanie…thank you so much for these wonderful recipes. I work long stressful hours and basically only have time and energy to eat out. That’s a shame because I love to cook but didn’t want to deal with huge amounts of left-overs…not to mention the food cost in preparing for one. I was so impressed when I ran across your recipes that I raced out to Home Goods and found the little white dishes exactly like yours and ….seriously…my life has changed. Now when I trot my lunch out at work, my co-workers are amazed at what I bring to eat! !!! Naturally I told them about your recipes so now we are all well-fed happy campers. Thanks again for all the work you put into this!!
Hi Susan, thank you so much for the kind words. I’ve found so many mini baking dishes at Home Goods, it can be a great place to find dishes at quite a discount. I’m so very happy that you are enjoying the recipes and thank you so much for letting me know. Your comment has completely made my week – thank you!
Just found your site. It’s just my husband and me, our 3 girls have flown the next. Trying to cook for 2 had been hard after cooking for 5. Finding your site is a blessing, now I don’t have all this food left over and as usually throne in the trash. I only double it to make it for 2.
Thanks for making cooking for 2 easy
I’m so glad you found us and are finding the recipes helpful.