Taco Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
435 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Taco Casserole
Description
This dish begins by browning lean ground beef with diced onions, then seasoning it with packaged taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. A layer of crushed tortilla chips forms the base in a prepared baking dish, topped by refried beans and the beef mixture, all crowned with shredded cheddar cheese.
Baking the casserole melts the cheese and binds the layers, while the crushed chips provide a crunchy contrast beneath. After baking, fresh toppings of lettuce, tomatoes, and olives add brightness and texture, complementing the heavier cooked ingredients.
The recipe suits an economical, hands-on main dish with familiar taco flavors presented in a casserole format. Using freshly shredded cheese enhances melting and texture compared to pre-shredded options. Crushing chips manually allows control over size and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
- 1/2 cup onion finely diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes do not drain
- 1 1/4 cups tortilla chips crushed
- 16 ounce can refried beans
- 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- lettuce toppings, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced olives
- tomato
- olives
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 inch square pan or 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
- Add the onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until onion is translucent.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Place a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread a layer of refried beans over the top.
- Pour the beef mixture over the beans and top with the cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Add toppings if desired, then serve.
Notes
- Opt for 90% lean ground beef for flavor with reduced greasiness.
- Grate your own cheese for better melting and texture; pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.
- Crush tortilla chips by placing them in a resealable bag and using a rolling pin or meat mallet for even pieces.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 435 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 435kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 709mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 465mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 925IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 270mg | 27% |
| Iron | 4.1mg | 23% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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