Description
This Easy Best Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal, combining seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and hearty chili beans under a blanket of melty cheese and crunchy tortilla chips. It is a family favorite that brings all the bold flavors of taco night into one convenient, oven-baked dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this recipe is customizable with your favorite fresh toppings and guaranteed to satisfy any taco craving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, drained
- 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomato
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and crumbly, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease thoroughly.
Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
Stir the salsa into the skillet with the beef. Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir in the drained chili beans and heat through.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Place the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the beef and bean mixture over the chips. Follow with a smooth layer of sour cream.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Cheese
Evenly distribute the sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes over the sour cream. Finish by sprinkling the shredded Cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, golden, and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
Storage Instructions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain the crunch of the chips, it is best to reheat portions in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F until warm.
Vegetable Boost: To add more nutrition, sauté one diced bell pepper and a small yellow onion with the ground beef. You can also add a cup of frozen corn to the beef mixture.
Make it Healthier: Substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy taco casserole, ground beef taco bake, best taco casserole recipe, weeknight dinner, layered taco dish, chili bean casserole