Taco Casserole

Introduction

Make dinner time a fiesta with this delicious Taco Casserole recipe. Packed with flavor and layers of beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Easy to make and satisfying to eat, Taco Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why Make This Recipe

Taco Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite tacos in a convenient and easy-to-serve casserole form. It’s a great dish for busy weeknights when you want something filling and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, this recipe is customizable, so you can adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences.

How to Make Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• ½ medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted taco seasoning)
• 2 cups jarred tomato salsa (mild or spicy, depending on your tastes)
• 1 can black beans (298 ml or 14 oz, rinsed well)
• 6 large tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, pepper, and onion over medium-high heat until ground beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
3. Add taco seasoning, oregano, and salt and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add salsa and beans and remove from the heat.
5. Layer two large tortillas in the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish. Top with ⅓ of the meat and ⅓ of the cheese.
6. Repeat layers twice for three layers: tortillas, ground beef, and cheese.
7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted. Slice and serve.

How to Serve Taco Casserole

Serve Taco Casserole hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro. Pair it with a side salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

How to Store Taco Casserole

Store any leftovers of Taco Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Tips to Make Taco Casserole

• Customize the spice level by using mild or spicy salsa and adjusting the amount of taco seasoning.
• Add extra veggies like corn or jalapeños for more flavor and nutrition.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Make it ahead of time and bake when ready to serve for a quick dinner solution.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or tofu crumbles. You can also use a blend of different cheeses like Monterey Jack and pepper jack for a twist on the flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas for a different texture and flavor.
2. Can I freeze Taco Casserole before baking? Yes, assemble the casserole and freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and check that the taco seasoning is gluten-free.