Easy Make-Ahead Taco Casserole with Tortillas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
371 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Easy Make-Ahead Taco Casserole with Tortillas
Description
The Easy Make-Ahead Taco Casserole assembles cooked ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning and onions, layered with slightly fried corn tortilla halves, refried beans, and a blended salsa-tomato sauce. Multiple layers of tortillas are used, topped with shredded cheese. The casserole is baked until heated through and the cheese melts. The preparation includes frying the corn tortillas halves in vegetable oil to prevent sogginess during baking and enhance texture.
The dish combines familiar Tex-Mex flavors and textures into a convenient baked meal. The sour cream and sliced green onion garnishes add creaminess and sharpness on serving, balancing the rich layers.
This casserole can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to develop further. If baking from chilled, extending the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes ensures thorough heating. The tortillas can be warmed in batches for faster assembly. Handle tortillas carefully to avoid tearing. The recipe also allows freezing the casserole at the layering stage.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup onion white, chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 18 corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 can diced tomatoes Rotel brand, original
- 1 can green chilies Rotel brand, original
- 1 can refried beans
- 2 cups cheese shredded
Optional garnish
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onion sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium-sized skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions.
- Drain and transfer the cooked beef to a bowl.
- Add taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cut corn tortillas in half. Heat corn tortillas halves in the hot oil then drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Combine salsa and Rotel tomatoes in a blender. Blend to make a sauce.
- Heat refried beans slightly in a microwave to make them spreadable.
- Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with half of the corn tortillas.
- Spread refried beans over the corn tortillas.
- Spread the ground beef over the refried beans.
- Pour the sauce over the ground beef.
- Place another layer of the remaining corn tortillas over the ground beef.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. At this point, you can wrap the casserole and freeze it.
- Bake the casserole at 350 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Serve the casserole with sour cream and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Assembling the casserole up to 24 hours in advance enhances flavor melding.
- If baking from refrigerated, increase baking time by 5-10 minutes for even heating.
- Warm tortillas in batches for quicker preparation, taking care to handle gently to avoid tearing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 371 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 371kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 59mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 838mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 420mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 695IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 5.8mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 180mg | 18% |
| Iron | 2.6mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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