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Taco Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 59 reviews

This hearty Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, creamy beans, and melted cheddar cheese layered over crunchy tortilla chips for a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dinner. Baked to bubbly perfection and perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 1 can ranch style beans
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 tablespoon butter or extra virgin olive oil
  • Crushed tortilla chips (enough for layering in a 9×13 casserole dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake the casserole when assembled.
  2. Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch style beans, and Rotel tomatoes. Stir until well blended and heat through over medium heat. This mixture will add a creamy, spicy base to the casserole.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the butter or extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet flavor.
  4. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then stir in the taco seasoning to evenly coat the meat with flavor.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with foil and cooking spray for easy cleanup. Start with a layer of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom. Next, add a layer of the seasoned ground beef mixture, followed by a layer of the heated sauce from the saucepan. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over this layer. Repeat the layering process once more: crushed chips, ground beef, sauce, and finish by topping everything with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
  7. Serve and garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve hot topped with optional sour cream, salsa, or sliced jalapeños to add extra tang and spice as desired.

Notes

  • Lining the casserole dish with foil makes cleanup much easier.
  • If you want to add more veggies, consider adding corn or black beans to the sauce mixture.
  • For a spicier casserole, use hot Rotel tomatoes or add chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • If you prefer, substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce for a different flavor profile.

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