Taco Casserole recipe

A quick and delicious dinner that brings together all your favorite taco flavors in one hearty dish, this Taco Casserole is your answer.

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With layers of crunchy tortilla chips, savory refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Top it with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and olives to create a delightful meal that feels like a fiesta in every bite.

This taco casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying.

In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a dish that combines all the flavors of classic tacos with the comforting goodness of a casserole. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Star Ingredients in Taco Casserole

Ground Beef – Provides a rich, savory base that’s the heart of the casserole.

Taco Seasoning – Adds a blend of spices that give this dish its signature Mexican-inspired flavor.

Tortilla Chips – Offer a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft layers of beans and beef.

Refried Beans – Introduce a creamy layer that helps bind all the flavors together.

Cheddar Cheese – Melts into gooey perfection, bringing a comforting richness to every bite.

Diced Tomatoes – Add moisture and a hint of acidity to balance the flavors.

Toppings (Lettuce, Tomato, Olives) – Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and olives provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, melted cheese and beef.

Easy Steps to Make Your Taco Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch square pan or 2-quart baking dish with a light coat of cooking spray.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned.

Add diced onion to the beef and cook until translucent. Mix in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes, then simmer to allow the flavors to meld.

Begin layering: Start with crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of your baking dish, followed by a layer of refried beans.

Spread the seasoned beef mixture over the beans, and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.

Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced olives, and serve hot.

Recipe Tips for the Perfect Taco Casserole

For best results, use freshly grated cheese. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.

You can easily crush tortilla chips by placing them in a resealable bag and using a rolling pin or meat mallet.

Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

How to Store Leftovers

Storing your leftover taco casserole is easy and keeps the flavors intact. Simply transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or use a microwave for a quicker option.

If you plan to freeze it, do so without the fresh toppings; it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

Taco Casserole Recipe

This delightful taco casserole features layers of crunchy tortilla chips, savory refried beans, and seasoned beef, all blanketed with melted cheese and baked to perfection. Finish it off with your favorite toppings like fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and briny olives for a delicious, family-friendly dish.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Taco Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef 90% lean
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
• 16- ounce can refried beans
• 1 1/4 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Toppings of choice: shredded lettuce diced tomatoes, sliced olives
• Cooking spray

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square pan or a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
• Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat, for about 5-6 minutes until browned.
• Add the diced onion to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
• Mix in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes (along with their juice). Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
• Arrange a layer of crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the refried beans over the chips in an even layer.
• Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the layer of beans, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with your choice of toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced olives. Serve immediately.

Notes

Opt for 90% lean ground beef to balance flavor and reduce excess grease.

For best results, shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties, which can affect melting.

To crush tortilla chips easily, place them in a resealable plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or meat mallet.