Description
This easy and delicious Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, refried beans, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection and topped with crunchy chips and fresh veggies for a family-friendly meal bursting with Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Seasoning
- 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 oz. taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¾ cup water
Base Layers
- 16 oz. refried beans
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare sour cream: Let the sour cream come to room temperature to ensure it won’t curdle when baked, as it avoids going from cold to hot suddenly.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook beef and onions: In a large pan over medium heat, add ground beef and diced onion. Cook and crumble the meat until fully cooked through.
- Drain grease: Remove and discard excess grease from the cooked beef and onion mixture to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Add seasoning and simmer: Stir in ¾ cup water and taco seasoning. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool for 8-10 minutes.
- Layer refried beans: Spread refried beans evenly in a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish as the base layer.
- Add sour cream and beef: Spread the room temperature sour cream over the refried beans, then layer with the slightly cooled seasoned beef mixture.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Optionally refrigerate: If preparing ahead, cover and refrigerate the casserole until ready to bake.
- Bake immediately or after refrigeration: If baking right away, bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is hot and melted. If baking after refrigeration, bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Add toppings: Remove casserole from oven and top with sliced black olives and crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos. Optionally add extra cheese as well.
- Bake topped casserole: Bake uncovered for 8 more minutes to melt and crisp the toppings.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes before serving for fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- Allow sour cream to come to room temperature before baking to prevent curdling.
- You can use your favorite brand of taco seasoning or homemade mix.
- Crunchy toppings can be mixed chips or your preferred brand for extra texture.
- To make ahead, assemble casserole up to step 8 and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Optional garnishes like green onions, lettuce, and tomatoes add freshness but can be omitted based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: taco casserole, ground beef casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, refried beans, easy dinner, Mexican inspired dish
