Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Taco Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Description

This flavorful Taco Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is layered with refried beans, crunchy tortilla chips, corn, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. Serve it with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, olives, sour cream, and cilantro for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (plus any required water)
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 15 oz can sweet corn, drained
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
  • 16 oz can refried beans
  • 1 1/2 cups tortilla chips, crushed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
  3. Sauté the onion: Add diced onions to the beef and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and soften.
  4. Add seasonings and mix-ins: Stir in the taco seasoning according to packet instructions (include any water called for), then add drained diced tomatoes, drained corn, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cook and stir until the cheese just begins to melt.
  5. Prepare the casserole layers: Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread a layer of refried beans evenly on the bottom of the dish.
  6. Add tortilla chips: Sprinkle a layer of crushed tortilla chips over the refried beans to add a crunchy texture layer to the casserole.
  7. Layer beef mixture and cheese: Drain any excess liquid from the skillet. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortilla chips. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  8. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Add toppings and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally garnish with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, diced olives, sour cream, extra cheddar cheese, or chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For added spice, include jalapeños or hot sauce in the beef mixture.
  • Use gluten-free tortilla chips to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium taco seasoning and canned items.

Find it online: https://suerecipe.com/taco-casserole-recipe/