This taco casserole with ground beef and tortilla chips is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful. For a healthier twist, I often substitute the ground beef with ground turkey and opt for low-fat dairy products. Even with these changes, the dish remains just as delicious! Pair it with chips, salsa, and a green salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, drained
- 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh tomato
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add salsa and beans: Stir in the salsa, reduce heat, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir in the drained beans and cook until heated through.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the crushed tortilla chips over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture over the chips, then spread the sour cream on top. Sprinkle with sliced black olives, chopped green onion, and fresh tomato. Finish with a layer of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once baked, serve and enjoy your delicious taco casserole!
More About This Recipe
This easy Mexican casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner, made with convenient ingredients like jarred salsa and canned beans. It’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Here’s a bit more detail about what makes this recipe so great:
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Beef or Turkey: Start with lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Salsa: Use your favorite store-bought salsa or homemade for added freshness.
- Canned Goods: Chili beans and black olives bring depth of flavor and texture to the dish.
- Tortilla Chips: Crushed chips add a satisfying crunch.
- Sour Cream: This adds richness and a tangy contrast to the other flavors.
- Fresh Produce: Green onions and tomatoes give the casserole a burst of freshness.
- Cheese: A generous topping of shredded Cheddar cheese ties everything together.
Steps to Make It:
- Cook the beef, mix in the salsa and beans, and layer the casserole as directed. Then, bake until it’s perfectly golden and bubbling.
Recipe Tip: For an extra kick, try adding a packet of taco seasoning to the meat while it cooks, or spice it up with some chopped green chiles.
Serving Suggestions: While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can complement it with Mexican side dishes like Cilantro Lime Rice or Elote. For drinks, a Classic Margarita pairs perfectly with the dish.
Storage and Freezing:
- Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes wonderfully. If you plan to freeze it, bake it in a foil pan, then wrap it tightly with storage wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Servings: 6 | Yield: 1 9×13-inch casserole
This taco casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make a few modifications, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side of chips and salsa, and you’ve got a meal that’s both delicious and comforting. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked to make it again and again!
i love that it is like a big taco ^^