Taco nights are a cherished tradition in many households, and adding a twist with a taco bake casserole can make it even more delightful. This one-dish wonder packs all the punchy flavors of classic tacos into a hearty, oven-baked meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ideal for busy weeknights, this taco bake casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table. Here’s how you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup water
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 bag (10 oz) tortilla chips, crushed
- Optional toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, and green onions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a large skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Stir the taco seasoning and water into the cooked meat. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes until thickened. This will infuse the beef with those signature taco flavors.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, start by spreading the refried beans as the first layer. Next, add a layer of the seasoned beef mixture. Pour the salsa evenly over the beef, and then sprinkle with both types of cheese, creating a rich, gooey layer.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and beginning to brown. This is your cue that things are melding together beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Add Crunch
Once the baking is done, top the casserole with the crushed tortilla chips. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the chips warm up and gain a bit more crunch.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with your choice of toppings—chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, sour cream, and green onions are all popular options.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Bake Casserole
It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
With its familiar taco flavors and fun, crunchy topping, this dish appeals to both adults and kids alike. It’s a festive meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Customizable
One of the best things about taco bake casserole is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're adjusting the spice level or adding different toppings, you can make this dish uniquely yours every time.
Convenient
Since everything cooks together in one dish, cleanup is a breeze. Plus, this casserole can be made ahead of time, refrigerated, and popped in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
This taco bake casserole recipe brings a delicious twist to your taco night with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a satisfying meal that saves time without skimping on taste, making it an excellent choice for any day of the week. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that make this dish a family favorite.
PrintTaco Bake Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Taco Bake Casserole recipe layers ground beef, cheese, and tortillas for a hearty and delicious dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any weeknight meal and is sure to satisfy your taco cravings!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sliced olives
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned; drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning, salsa, black beans, and corn.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer six tortillas, half of the beef mixture, and one cup of cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with olives and green onions. Serve with sour cream on the side.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add jalapeños or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of dish
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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