Description
The Ultimate Taco Casserole is a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness layered with seasoned beef and vibrant vegetables. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the tortilla chips, complemented by the rich flavors of melted cheese and zesty toppings, creating a comforting dish that tantalizes the taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Taco Beef:
- 1½ lbs lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ⅓ cup water
- For the Seasoning:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried Mexican oregano
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- For the Casserole:
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 8 oz sturdy tortilla chips, lightly crushed
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- For the Loaded Toppings:
- Diced Roma tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Fresh lime wedges
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Pickled jalapeños
- Sliced black olives
- Roasted poblano peppers
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- Diced green chiles
- Hot sauce
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, then add the drained Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, tomato paste, and water. Mix well.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large baking dish, spread the refried beans evenly on the bottom. Layer the crushed tortilla chips over the beans.
- Pour the beef mixture over the tortilla chips, followed by the salsa and sour cream.
- Sprinkle the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican cheese blend evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before adding your desired toppings.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: main-dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
Keywords: Ultimate Taco Casserole, taco casserole, Mexican casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole, comfort food, baked tacos, family dinner, Tex-Mex, one-dish meal, party food, make-ahead casserole