Description
This Best Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that combines seasoned ground beef, salsa, chili beans, and crunchy tortilla chips, all topped with melted Cheddar cheese and fresh toppings. It’s easy to prepare, baked until bubbly, and perfect for a satisfying family meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, drained
Salsa and Chips
- 2 cups salsa
- 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
Dairy and Toppings
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomato
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Arrange all ingredients in various glass bowls for easy assembly.
- Preheat oven. Set your 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, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and crumbly, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Simmer with salsa. Stir in salsa, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beans and heat through. Mix in the drained chili beans and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Layer the casserole. Spread crushed tortilla chips in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture over the chips. Spread sour cream over the beef. Sprinkle sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and chopped tomatoes on top. Finally, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over everything.
- Bake. Place in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of cumin or chili powder to the ground beef while cooking.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option.
- Make ahead: assemble the casserole without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake before serving.
- Adjust spice level by adding sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
