Taco Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
547 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Taco Casserole
Description
Taco Casserole starts with brown ground beef cooked with diced onions and taco seasoning simmered briefly to build flavor. This meat layer is combined with refried beans and sour cream spread evenly in a casserole for a creamy base. The dish is topped generously with shredded cheddar cheese and a layer of crushed tortilla chips, which bake to a crisp finish during cooking.
The casserole is baked uncovered until the cheese melts and the layers heat through. For make-ahead purposes, the assembled casserole can be refrigerated and baked later, adjusting the baking time accordingly. Fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced black olives, and green onions can be added just before serving to introduce brightness and texture contrast.
The use of regular sour cream at room temperature helps prevent curdling during baking, and blending cheeses like Monterey Jack with cheddar can enhance flavor and meltability. This dish works well as a comforting main or a casual family meal with familiar taco ingredients layered into a single pan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef I use 80% lean
- 1 yellow onion diced, small
- 1 oz. taco seasoning equivalent to 2 Tablespoons
- 16 oz. refried beans
- ¾ cup sour cream *see notes
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup black olives sliced
- ¾ cup tortilla chips Doritos, and/or Fritos, used as crunchy topping
To garnish:
- green onions (optional)
- 1/3 cup lettuce shredded
- 1/3 cup tomato diced
Instructions
- Let the sour cream come to room temperature while you prepare the meat. This will prevent it from curdling when baked as it won't be going from cold to hot right away.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add the ground beef and diced onions to a large pan and cook and crumble over medium heat until the meat is cooked through.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add ¾ cup water and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Let it cool for 8-10 minutes.
- Spread the refried beans in an even layer in a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Spread the sour cream over the refried beans, followed by the slightly cooled beef, then the cheese.
- If you’re preparing this head of time, let it cool and cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Baking:
- If baking right away: Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and melted.
- If baking after the casserole has been refrigerated: Bake, covered, for 25 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Add the toppings:
- Top the casserole with black olives and crunchy toppings. (Add additional cheese if you like as well.)
- Bake uncovered for 8 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions, diced tomatoes, and/or shredded lettuce and serve!
Notes
- Avoid light sour cream to prevent curdling; bring sour cream to room temperature before layering.
- Mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack cheese can improve flavor and melting texture.
- This casserole can be assembled and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking.
- Save crunchy toppings and fresh garnishes for just before serving to maintain texture.
- Adjust baking times depending on whether the casserole is baked immediately or from cold.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 547 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 547kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 1273mg | 53% |
| Potassium | 359mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1175IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 4.9mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 374mg | 37% |
| Iron | 3.2mg | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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