Taco Bubble Up: A quick, cheesy, and utterly satisfying casserole that brings all your favorite taco flavors to the dinner table in under 40 minutes! This family-friendly recipe is a true weeknight hero, combining seasoned ground beef, fluffy biscuits, and gooey cheese into one irresistible dish.
Taco Bubble Up Casserole: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner
Craving the vibrant flavors of tacos but in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole form? Look no further than this incredible Taco Bubble Up recipe! This dish is a culinary marvel, taking pantry staples like canned biscuits, ground beef, and your go-to taco seasonings, then layering them with savory enchilada sauce and melted cheese. The result? A bubbling, golden-brown casserole that’s packed with flavor, incredibly simple to prepare, and a guaranteed hit with everyone at the dinner table. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to add this one to your regular menu rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Bubble Up Casserole
This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a testament to quick, delicious, and adaptable home cooking. Here’s why this Taco Bubble Up casserole is destined to become a staple in your household:
- Effortlessly Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this meal comes together in about 40 minutes, including prep and bake time. It’s ideal for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still want a satisfying, home-cooked dinner.
- A Certified Family Favorite: Who doesn’t love taco night? This casserole captures all those beloved Tex-Mex flavors in an exciting, comforting new format that kids and adults alike will eagerly devour.
- Minimal Cleanup with One Dish: All the magic happens in a single 9×13-inch baking dish. This means less scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal and your family.
- Highly Customizable: Whether you prefer mild or spicy, beef or turkey, or want to sneak in extra veggies, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to adapt to any dietary preference or ingredient availability.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, gooey, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors, this casserole hits all the right notes for a truly comforting and satisfying meal, especially on a chilly evening.
What is Taco Bubble Up and Why It’s a Game-Changer?
The “Bubble Up” concept refers to the delightful way canned biscuit pieces expand and rise, or “bubble up,” as they bake amidst a savory filling. In this Taco Bubble Up Casserole, these tender biscuit pieces are mixed directly with a richly seasoned ground beef mixture, then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. As the biscuits cook, they absorb the delicious taco and enchilada sauce flavors, becoming soft, fluffy pillows that are incredibly satisfying.
This innovative casserole eliminates the need for individual taco shells or tortillas, streamlining your meal preparation while still delivering all the beloved tastes of a classic taco feast. It’s a game-changer because it takes familiar ingredients and transforms them into a cohesive, comforting dish that’s both fun to eat and incredibly simple to assemble. No more messy fillings falling out of tacos – just scoop and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Bubble Up
In the context of this casserole, “bubble up” refers to the canned biscuit dough. When the raw biscuit pieces are mixed with the meat and sauce and then baked, they naturally expand and puff up beneath the cheesy topping and savory mixture. This rising action creates a light, airy, and irregular texture, allowing the biscuits to absorb all the delicious flavors and moisture from the other ingredients as they cook, making them incredibly tender and flavorful.
Our standard recipe aims for a mild-to-medium kick, providing a pleasant warmth without being overwhelmingly spicy. However, spice levels are entirely personal, and this dish is wonderfully customizable! For a super mild version, make sure to select “mild” taco seasoning, “mild” enchilada sauce, and use either mild Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies or simply a can of petite diced tomatoes. If you enjoy more heat, opt for “medium” or “hot” versions of these ingredients. You can even add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture. Please note, if you are extremely sensitive to any level of spice (like with typical tacos or enchiladas), this dish, even in its mildest form, might still have a very slight warmth due to the seasoning, so proceed with caution or consider a different recipe.
Colby Jack cheese is a fantastic choice for its balanced flavor and excellent melting properties, creating a gooey, golden crust. However, you have many delicious options! Consider Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier melt, or sharp cheddar for a more pronounced, tangy flavor. A Mexican blend cheese (typically a mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and quesadilla cheese) is also perfect. For those who love extra heat, Pepper Jack cheese will add a wonderful spicy kick. Feel free to use a combination of your favorite cheeses to achieve a unique flavor profile.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile. When using leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and add a bit of richness. For a plant-based option, ground meat substitutes work wonderfully, maintaining the texture and hearty feel of the casserole. Just ensure whatever meat you choose is fully cooked and drained of any excess fat before combining with the other ingredients.
No problem at all! While the recipe calls for two smaller 6-ounce cans (totaling 12 ounces), a single large can (typically 16 ounces) will work just fine. If using a larger can, simply cut the biscuits into smaller, roughly 8ths-sized pieces, as specified in the recipe. You’ll end up with a bit more biscuit dough, which might make the casserole slightly less saucy, but it will still be delicious. Alternatively, if you want to stick closer to the original biscuit-to-sauce ratio, you could try using about three-quarters of the larger can, saving the rest for another use. The key is to have biscuit pieces that can “bubble up” and create that wonderful texture.
Removing tomatoes completely can alter the moisture content and flavor. While we’ve only ever made this dish with tomatoes (and even our family’s tomato-skeptics enjoy them because they’re small and blended), you have a few options. If you dislike the texture but not the flavor, you could use a can of tomato sauce (well-seasoned with a pinch of cumin and chili powder) for the liquid. If you want to avoid tomatoes entirely, consider adding a can of drained corn or black beans for texture and bulk, and perhaps a small splash of vegetable or chicken broth to maintain moisture. You could also increase the enchilada sauce by a couple of ounces. Be mindful that leaving them out completely without a liquid substitute might result in a slightly drier casserole, so we recommend some form of compensation.
Absolutely! The “Bubble Up” concept is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to many different flavor profiles, both savory and sweet. If you enjoy this Taco Bubble Up, you might love our Pizza Bubble Up for an Italian twist, or even a Lasagna Bubble Up. For dessert, don’t miss our sweet versions like Blackberry Bubble Up. The possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming classic dishes into easy, bubbly casseroles!
Leftover Taco Bubble Up casserole is a treat! To store, transfer any cooled portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When reheating, we highly recommend covering the casserole with foil and reheating it in the oven (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) until thoroughly warmed. This method helps maintain moisture and prevents the biscuits from drying out. While microwaving is an option for quick reheating, it can sometimes alter the texture of the biscuits, making them a bit chewier or less fluffy.
Essential Ingredients for Taco Bubble Up Casserole
Crafting this irresistible Taco Bubble Up Casserole requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with tips for making the best choices and exploring potential variations:
- Ground Beef: We typically recommend an 80/20 ground beef for this recipe. This ratio provides a fantastic balance of rich flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option like 90/10, that works too, just ensure you drain any excess grease thoroughly after browning. As discussed in our FAQs, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground substitute can be used as excellent alternatives, offering versatility to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
- Taco Seasoning Packet: A standard 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning is your shortcut to authentic Tex-Mex flavor. The market offers various spice levels, from mild to hot. If you’re sensitive to spice, make sure to actively seek out a “mild” variety on the packaging, as the heat level isn’t always prominently displayed. For those who enjoy tailoring flavors, a homemade taco seasoning blend can also be used – simply adjust the quantity to achieve your desired intensity.
- Enchilada Sauce: This crucial component adds a rich, savory liquid base that infuses the entire casserole with deep flavor and ensures the biscuits remain moist and tender. Red enchilada sauce is classic, but a green enchilada sauce can offer a delightful alternative flavor profile if you prefer. Pay attention to the heat level (mild, medium, or hot) on the can to match your family’s preference for spice.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel): This ingredient contributes a bright, zesty tomato flavor with a hint of chili warmth. It also adds essential moisture to the casserole. If you wish to control the spice level, opt for a “mild” Rotel or simply use a can of plain petite diced tomatoes for just the tomato flavor without the chili kick. For those avoiding tomatoes, please refer to our FAQ section for alternative suggestions.
- Canned Biscuits (e.g., Pillsbury Homestyle Grands): These refrigerator biscuits are the structural star, creating the signature “bubble up” effect. The recipe calls for two 6-ounce cans, but any brand of similar size will work perfectly. If you can only find larger 16-ounce cans, you can use one and cut the pieces smaller, as the total biscuit quantity doesn’t need to be exact. These pre-made biscuits are a fantastic shortcut, allowing you to achieve a homemade feel with minimal effort.
- Colby Jack Cheese Block, Shredded: We highly recommend freshly grating your cheese from a block. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and offers a superior texture compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. However, pre-shredded bagged cheese is a convenient and perfectly acceptable substitute for busy days. Beyond Colby Jack, consider Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, a Mexican blend, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for an extra layer of flavor.
- Your Favorite Taco Toppings: While not integrated into the bake, these are non-negotiable for serving! Think cool sour cream, vibrant fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, creamy diced avocado or guacamole, and a spoonful of your favorite salsa. These toppings add fresh contrast and enhance the overall taco experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Taco Bubble Up
Creating this flavorful Taco Bubble Up casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to bring a delicious and hearty meal to your table in no time.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat the inside with cooking spray. This crucial step ensures that your casserole won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared dish aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Place a large, sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and begin to brown it, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles. Continue cooking for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until all pink is gone and the beef is fully cooked. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is important for a less greasy and more intensely flavored casserole.
- Combine with Taco Flavors: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the packet of taco seasoning, the entire can of enchilada sauce, and the diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) to the cooked ground beef. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the beef is well coated with the vibrant sauce and aromatic seasonings. Set this flavorful mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Biscuits: Open your cans of refrigerator biscuits. On a clean cutting board or work surface, take each biscuit and cut it into 8 equal pieces. These smaller pieces are key to the “bubble up” effect, allowing the biscuits to cook evenly and be distributed throughout the casserole. Place all the cut biscuit pieces into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Biscuits and Meat: Add the prepared taco meat mixture to the bowl containing the biscuit pieces. Using a large spoon or your clean hands, gently fold the biscuit pieces into the meat mixture. The goal is to coat the biscuits evenly without overworking or crushing them, which allows them to retain their ability to puff up during baking.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the entire mixed contents from the bowl into your previously prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture out evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring that the biscuit pieces are well distributed throughout the savory beef mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese (or your preferred cheese variety) evenly over the entire top surface of the casserole mixture. This layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crust, adding an irresistible richness and texture to the dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the edges are bubbling vigorously, the cheese has melted and turned a beautiful golden brown, and the biscuits are fully cooked through and fluffy. You can insert a toothpick into a biscuit piece to check for doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time is important as it allows the casserole to set, making it easier to scoop and serve neatly. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings such as a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado.
Customize Your Taco Bubble Up Casserole
One of the most appealing aspects of this Taco Bubble Up casserole is its incredible adaptability. It’s a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to easily adjust flavors and ingredients to perfectly suit your family’s preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
- Enhance with More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and add extra texture by stirring in some cooked corn, a can of drained and rinsed black beans, finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), or even some sautéed onions to the meat mixture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: For those who love a fiery kick, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even some finely chopped jalapeños (deseeded for less heat) into the ground beef mixture. Conversely, ensure all your components (taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and Rotel) are explicitly “mild” if you prefer a very gentle flavor profile.
- Experiment with Different Meats: As discussed in the FAQs, feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different taste and texture. For a satisfying vegetarian option, plant-based crumbles or a hearty mix of black beans and corn can serve as excellent protein alternatives.
- Cheese, Please!: Don’t limit yourself to just Colby Jack. A sharp cheddar can add a tangy depth, while creamy Monterey Jack ensures a smooth, melty experience. A blend of Mexican cheeses works beautifully, or if you’re feeling adventurous, Pepper Jack will infuse the casserole with a lovely spicy note.
- Vary the Sauce: While red enchilada sauce is traditional, a green enchilada sauce offers a brighter, tangier flavor. If you’re out of enchilada sauce, a well-seasoned tomato sauce (perhaps with a touch of cumin and chili powder) or even a creamy queso can be used in a pinch, though the overall flavor profile will shift.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
While Taco Bubble Up is undoubtedly a hearty and complete meal on its own, pairing it with a few simple accompaniments can elevate your dinner experience and add fresh contrasts to the rich casserole.
- Essential Fresh Toppings: These are a must! Offer a variety of toppings at the table for everyone to customize their serving. Think cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, creamy diced avocado or homemade guacamole, and your favorite salsa (mild or spicy).
- Crisp Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm and cheesy casserole, adding freshness and balance to the meal.
- Fluffy Rice or Beans: For a more substantial meal, serve your Taco Bubble Up alongside a bowl of fluffy cilantro-lime rice or a side of savory refried beans. These classic Tex-Mex sides are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and rounding out the meal.
- Crunchy Tortilla Chips: A bowl of crispy tortilla chips on the side is always a welcome addition. They’re perfect for scooping up any loose bits of casserole or simply enjoying a delightful crunch between bites.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Having leftovers of this delicious Taco Bubble Up casserole is a fantastic bonus! Here’s how to properly store and reheat your casserole to ensure it remains just as delicious and satisfying for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Once the casserole has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Properly sealed, it will maintain its freshness and flavor.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: This casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it a great meal-prep option. Place completely cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe, airtight container. For individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first, then in aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating in the Oven (Highly Recommended): For the best texture and to prevent the biscuits from drying out, reheating in the oven is highly recommended. Preheat your oven to 300-325°F (150-160°C). Place the leftover casserole in a baking dish, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until it is thoroughly heated through and bubbly. The foil helps to trap moisture and keep the biscuits tender.
- Reheating in the Microwave: While the microwave offers speed and convenience, it can sometimes alter the texture of the biscuits, potentially making them a bit softer or chewier than oven-reheated portions. For individual servings, place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through, until hot.
More “Bubble Up” Recipes to Explore!
If you’ve fallen in love with the incredible ease and deliciousness of this Taco Bubble Up, you’re in for a treat! The “bubble up” concept is wonderfully versatile, adapting beautifully to a wide array of flavors and meals, from savory dinners to sweet desserts. It’s a fantastic technique for creating comforting, fuss-free dishes. Here are some other exciting “bubble up” recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure and broaden your bubble-up repertoire:
- Cheeseburger Bubble Up: All the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic cheeseburger, transformed into a comforting and easy casserole form. Perfect for a fun family meal!
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up: A creamy, irresistibly flavorful casserole packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the zesty tang of ranch dressing.
- Bubble Up Pizza: Enjoy your favorite pizza toppings layered with fluffy, bubbling biscuits for a super easy and satisfying family pizza night alternative.
- Bubble Up Lasagna: Experience the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna without all the fuss of layering pasta, thanks to the magic of light and airy biscuits.
- Sloppy Joe Bubble Up: A fun and simple way to enjoy the classic sloppy joe sandwich, baked into a delicious, cheesy casserole that’s a hit with kids.
- Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up: All the comforting, creamy flavors of a homemade chicken pot pie, crowned with tender, bubbling biscuits instead of a traditional crust.
- Blackberry Bubble Up: A delightful sweet and fruity dessert casserole, featuring juicy blackberries and soft, sweet biscuits, perfect for a cozy treat.
- Peach Dumpling Bubble Up: Warm, tender peaches combined with sweet, pillowy biscuits create a wonderfully comforting dessert reminiscent of classic peach cobbler.
- Blueberry Bubble Up: A sweet and fruity option bursting with juicy blueberry flavor, ideal for a decadent breakfast or a light dessert.
- Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up: The ultimate easy-to-make dessert or breakfast pastry, delivering all the gooey, sweet cinnamon goodness of a classic cinnamon roll.
- Apple Bubble Up: All the comforting taste of homemade apple pie in a simplified, easy-to-prepare casserole form, perfect for any season.
- Pecan Pie Bubble Up: A rich, sweet, and nutty dessert reminiscent of classic pecan pie, but in a convenient and crowd-pleasing casserole.
- Crock Pot Taco Soup: If you’re a devoted fan of taco flavors but prefer a soup, this slow cooker recipe offers an incredibly easy and hearty alternative.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: For those who love to control their ingredients and spice levels, learn how to whip up your own aromatic taco seasoning blend from scratch.
Taco Bubble Up Recipe
This quick and easy Taco Bubble Up recipe features seasoned ground beef, fluffy biscuits, and gooey cheese, all baked together into a delicious casserole in just 40 minutes – a guaranteed family favorite for any weeknight!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor)
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning (choose mild or regular based on your spice preference)
- 10 ounce can red or green enchilada sauce (select mild or medium heat)
- 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel, use mild if preferred, or plain petite diced tomatoes)
- 2 (6 ounce) cans refrigerator biscuits (such as Pillsbury Homestyle Grands, cut into 8 pieces each)
- 8 ounce block Colby Jack cheese, shredded (freshly grated for superior melt)
- Your favorite taco toppings (for serving, e.g., sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the ground beef for 8-10 minutes, until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat thoroughly from the skillet.
- Add the taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- Cut each refrigerator biscuit into 8 equal pieces. Place these pieces into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the taco meat mixture into the bowl with the biscuit pieces. Gently fold the biscuit pieces into the meat mixture until they are well coated and evenly distributed.
- Transfer the entire mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges, the cheese is golden and browned, and the biscuits are fully cooked through.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Spice Level Customization: Spice levels are highly personal. For a milder dish, ensure you select “mild” taco seasoning, “mild” enchilada sauce, and “mild” Rotel (or opt for plain petite diced tomatoes). If you are very sensitive to spice, please be aware that even mild seasoning might offer a slight kick.
- Sauce and Moisture: This casserole relies on sauce for moisture and flavor. While enchilada sauce is recommended, green enchilada sauce is a good alternative. Substituting with tomato sauce or a well-seasoned queso could work, but we haven’t tested these specifically. Remember that the liquid from the diced tomatoes also contributes significantly to the overall moisture of the dish.
- Storage & Reheating: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, we strongly recommend covering it with foil and warming it in the oven to prevent the biscuits from drying out.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 389 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 1072mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that the provided nutritional information is an estimate. As “The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, we highly recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator if precise calorie counts and other values are critical to your dietary planning. Nutritional values can vary considerably depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to see your creation! Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and be sure to mention us with the hashtag #thecountrycook!