Description
Mexican-inspired Taco Bake Casserole delivers hearty comfort with layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips. Spicy, cheesy goodness awaits when you dive into this crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies serious cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
Beans and Tomato Base:
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 cup salsa or 1 can diced tomatoes
Dairy and Seasoning Components:
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups tortilla chips or 4–5 flour tortillas, broken into pieces
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced jalapenos
- Chopped cilantro
- 1 diced avocado
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the ground meat by sautéing it in a large skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and crumbly, ensuring no pink remains visible.
- Eliminate excess grease from the meat, then integrate taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat completely and develop rich, zesty flavors.
- Coat the interior of a rectangular baking dish with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Create the first foundational layer by spreading refried beans evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a smooth, consistent base.
- Crush tortilla chips or tear tortillas into rustic pieces, distributing them uniformly over the bean layer to establish a crispy structural foundation.
- Distribute the seasoned meat mixture carefully over the tortilla layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage and an even meat distribution.
- Spoon salsa or scatter diced tomatoes across the meat layer, providing moisture and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
- Dollop sour cream strategically, spreading it gently to create a creamy intermediate layer between the meat and cheese components.
- Shower the surface with a generous coating of shredded cheese, allowing complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
- Transfer the assembled casserole into a preheated 375°F oven, baking for approximately 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and facilitating easier serving.
- Optionally garnish with fresh jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado to add vibrant color and complementary textures.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that still packs incredible flavor.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning to match your personal spice tolerance.
- Pre-crush tortilla chips slightly before layering to ensure better distribution and crunchier texture throughout the casserole.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg