Beef Taco Casserole

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This family-friendly recipe for a beef taco casserole is packed full of your favorite tex-mex flavors and finished with toppings galore!

Beef Taco Casserole. That’s right, today we’re taking your favorite tex-mex tacos and layering them into a quick and easy casserole that everyone in your family can get behind.

Listen, I love a fancy dinner as much as the next girl, but there’s something about a down and dirty ground beef taco that makes my heart go pitter-pat. I clearly passed that gene down to my boys, because their go-to taco is always ground beef.

So why not make a super easy weeknight dinner with their favorite flavors? Sure tacos are easy, but this puts a fun spin on taco night with a taco casserole that you can simply scoop and serve.

We simply create a bottom “crust” of tortilla chips, pile on a well seasoned layer of tomato-y beef and beans, top with shredded cheese, and bake til bubbly!

But we’re not done yet! I love to create a little toppings bar to make it even more fun.

Think avocado or guac, scallions, cilantro, sour cream, tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, and some shredded romaine (gotta sneak those veggies in there right?). Line it all up and let em at it!

Not only is this an easy weeknight dinner, it’s great game day fare or a winning addition to your Super Bowl spread.

Let’s make Beef Taco Casserole

1. Saute the onions in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the ground beef and brown well. Drain.
3. Add the seasonings, tomato paste, and water
4. Stir in the green chiles, tomato sauce, and beans. Season and cook 5 mins.

5. Layer the tortilla chips in the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Top with the beef mixture.
7. Top with the shredded cheese.
8. Bake until melted, hot and bubbling. Serve with desired toppings.

Tips for success

• I love bite-size tortilla chips for this recipe because they hold they their shape and crunch while the casserole bakes.
• If you don’t have taco seasoning, increase the chili powder to 3 Tbsp and add 2 tsp garlic powder.
• Don’t forget to drain the ground beef after it browns to get rid of the extra grease and prevent a soggy casserole.
• Kidney beans or black beans can be substituted if you don’t have pinto beans.
• This beef taco casserole is made even better with tons of toppings. Prep them while the casserole bakes and arrange them in bowls so your guests/family can find their favorites!

More Tex-Mex Faves

• Pulled Chicken Skillet Nachos
• Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Dressing
• Margarita Chicken Tacos
• Max’s Favorite Guacamole

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Beef Taco Casserole

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

This family-friendly recipe for a beef taco casserole is packed full of your favorite tex-mex flavors and finished with toppings galore!

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: beef taco casserole

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 811 kcal

Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For…

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 oz taco seasoning (1 pkg)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 8 oz minced green chiles (2 cans), fire roasted
• 30 oz pink or pinto beans (2 cans), rinsed and drained
• kosher salt and pepper
• 4 cups tortilla chips, broken into pieces (or bite size chips)
• 8 oz Mexican cheese blend, shredded (a mix of cheddar and monterey jack can be substituted)

Optional Toppings

• sour cream
• pickled jalapeños
• tomatoes, diced
• Romaine lettuce, shredded
• avocado, diced
• scallions, sliced
• cilantro, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a 9×13 casserole pan (or similar size). Set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet set over med/high heat. Add the diced onion and saute until softened and golden, about 5 mins.

3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain the fat and return the skillet to the stove.

4. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, oregano, tomato paste, and water. Cook for 2 mins.

5. Stir in the tomato sauce, green chiles, and beans. Cook for 5 mins. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Spread the tortilla chips in the bottom of the casserole dish. Add the ground meet mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until the cheese has melted the the casserole is bubbling, about 10-15 minutes.

7. Serve immediately, being sure to scoop from the bottom.

Recipe Notes

• I love bite-size tortilla chips for this recipe because they hold they their shape and crunch while the casserole bakes.
• If you don’t have taco seasoning, increase the chili powder to 3 Tbsp and add 2 tsp garlic powder.
• Don’t forget to drain the ground beef after it browns to get rid of the extra grease and prevent a soggy casserole.
• Kidney beans or black beans can be substituted if you don’t have pinto beans.
• This beef taco casserole is made even better with tons of toppings. Prep them while the casserole bakes and arrange them in bowls so your guests/family can find their favorites!

Nutrition Facts

Beef Taco Casserole

Amount Per Serving

Calories 811 Calories from Fat 423

% Daily Value*

Fat 47g72%

Saturated Fat 16g100%

Cholesterol 107mg36%

Sodium 1519mg66%

Potassium 1031mg29%

Carbohydrates 63g21%

Fiber 11g46%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 37g74%

Vitamin A 1269IU25%

Vitamin C 17mg21%

Calcium 390mg39%

Iron 7mg39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.