This family-friendly recipe for a beef taco casserole is packed full of your favorite tex-mex flavors and finished with toppings galore!
- 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)
- sour cream
- pickled jalapeños
- tomatoes, diced
- Romaine lettuce, shredded
- avocado, diced
- scallions, sliced
- cilantro, minced
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a 9x13 casserole pan (or similar size). Set aside.
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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.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain the fat and return the skillet to the stove.
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Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, oregano, tomato paste, and water. Cook for 2 mins.
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Stir in the tomato sauce, green chiles, and beans. Cook for 5 mins. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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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.
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Serve immediately, being sure to scoop from the bottom.
- 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!