Taco Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
542 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Taco Casserole
Description
This hearty Taco Casserole combines lean ground beef cooked with diced onion, taco seasoning, and undrained diced tomatoes for a flavorful, somewhat saucy filling. The base layer consists of lightly crushed tortilla chips topped with a layer of refried beans, which help protect the chips from sogginess during baking. The beef mixture is spread above the beans and covered with cheddar cheese before baking.
The baking step melts the cheese and heats the layers through, resulting in a casserole with a combination of textures: crunchy chips, creamy beans, tender beef, and melted cheese. Additional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, lettuce, olives, and avocado can be added after baking to customize each serving.
Retaining the cooking liquid in the beef mixture is essential for moist results. Using a greased baking dish prevents sticking and aid serving. Flavored tortilla chips can add extra taste, and gluten-free chips or side tortillas offer dietary flexibility.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ pounds ground beef 675g, lean
- 1 yellow onion diced (253g)
- 1 (14.5-ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- ¼ cup taco seasoning (32g)
- 2 cups tortilla chips (77g)
- 1 ounce can refried beans (878g)
- 3 cups cheddar cheese 252g, shredded
Toppings (optional):
- sour cream
- diced tomatoes
- lettuce shredded
- black olive sliced
- avocado
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion, and cook until the beef is browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and their juices and taco seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Slightly crush the tortilla chips and layer in the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the beans in an even layer over the chips. Spread the beef mixture over the beans and top with the cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese melts and the beans are heated through. Add your favorite toppings and serve hot with tortilla chips.
Notes
- Keep the cooking liquid from the ground beef for moisture and flavor; do not drain after cooking.
- Grease the baking dish to prevent cheese from sticking and ease serving.
- Layer refried beans over chips to keep them crisp and crunchy after baking.
- Flavored tortilla chips, such as lime or jalapeño, can be used to add variety.
- This dish can be made gluten-free using gluten-free tortilla chips or served with corn or flour tortillas on the side.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 542 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 542kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 1730mg | 72% |
| Potassium | 496mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1271IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 393mg | 39% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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