Taco Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
28 mins
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Total Time
33 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
347 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Taco Casserole
Description
The Taco Casserole centers on lean ground beef browned and combined with diced onion and garlic sautéed in oil. It is seasoned with ancho chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste for a smoky, earthy depth. Adding rinsed black beans and tomato salsa enriches the mixture with protein, acidity, and moisture.
The mixture is cooked briefly before transferring to an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, mixed with part of the shredded cheddar cheese, and topped with the remainder. Baking melts the cheese and heats the layers, creating a cohesive dish with a gooey cheese topping and a thick, tomato-enriched beef and bean base.
This casserole works well as a main meal served with rice, tortillas, or a simple side salad. The blend of spices and tomato salsa adds warmth and brightness, typical of Southwestern-style dishes. Adjusting the cheese amount or type can customize richness and flavor intensity.
Ground beef leaness can vary without major changes, and substitutes like ground turkey or chicken can also be used. Different beans like kidney or pinto may replace black beans. If an oven-safe skillet isn't available, the mixture can be placed in a greased casserole dish before baking.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion diced, medium or yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 15 ounce black beans drained and rinsed, canned
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2-15 ounce tomato salsa in jars
- 2 cups cheddar cheese divided, shredded, or shredded cheddar Jack cheese
Instructions
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350F.
- Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat.
- Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove ground beef to a plate, and drain any remaining fat from the skillet.
- Add the tablespoon of oil to the now-empty skillet, and heat until shimmering.
- Add the onion and garlic.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Turn heat to medium-low.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste, and stir to combine.
- Return the beef to the pan, and stir in along with the beans.
- Cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the salsa and 3/4 cup of the cheese.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1 ¼ cups cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and casserole is heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use 90% lean ground beef or adjust to your preference; ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
- Choose beans like black, kidney, or pinto, and consider adding a second can to stretch the dish.
- Ancho chili powder adds smoky flavor, but regular chili powder works as an alternative.
- Select a tomato-based salsa to your desired spice level—mild, medium, or hot.
- Adjust cheese quantity and types, such as fiesta or Mexican blends, to your taste.
- If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the filling to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish before baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 347 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 347kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 681mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 585mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 804IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 254mg | 25% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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