Name: Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean); 1 small yellow onion (diced); 1 oz. taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons); ¾ cup water; 16 oz. refried beans; ¾ cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup black olives (sliced); ¾ cup crunchy toppings such as tortilla chips (Doritos and/or Fritos); Green onions (optional, for garnish); 1/3 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for garnish); 1/3 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish)

Introduction

This taco casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of a classic taco into one easy-to-make bake. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and plenty of cheese topped with crunchy tortilla chips and fresh garnishes.

A close-up view of a white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered nacho casserole. The bottom layer is a mixture of cooked ground beef with visible bits of seasoning and sauce, topped with a thick layer of melted yellow cheddar cheese. Above that, a generous amount of broken yellow corn chips add a crunchy texture. Scattered on top are sliced black olives, diced red tomatoes, and chopped green onions, adding pops of black, red, and green colors. A black spatula is lifting a scoop of the casserole, showing the layers clearly. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef (80% lean recommended)

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 oz. taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)

16 oz. refried beans

¾ cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup black olives, sliced

¾ cup crunchy toppings (tortilla chips, Doritos, or Fritos)

Green onions (optional)

⅓ cup shredded lettuce

⅓ cup diced tomatoes

Instructions

Step 1: Let the sour cream come to room temperature to prevent curdling during baking.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 3: In a large pan over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.

Step 4: Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 5: Add ¾ cup water and taco seasoning to the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool for 8–10 minutes.

Step 6: Spread refried beans evenly in a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

Step 7: Spread the room-temperature sour cream over the beans, then layer the cooled beef mixture on top, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8: If preparing ahead, allow the casserole to cool, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Step 9: To bake immediately, bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is hot and melted.

Step 10: To bake after refrigeration, bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 11: Remove from oven and top with black olives and crunchy toppings. Add extra cheese if desired.

Step 12: Bake uncovered for another 8 minutes until toppings are heated.

Step 13: Garnish with green onions, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and beef.

Use low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.

Double the taco seasoning if you prefer a bolder taste.

Gluten-free? Ensure your taco seasoning and crunchy toppings are certified gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils, textured vegetable protein, or your favorite meat substitute to keep it meat-free.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to step 8, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving as outlined in the baking steps.

Dinner

Taco Casserole Recipe