Description
Mexican-inspired taco casserole delivers a hearty one-pan meal packed with zesty flavors and cheesy goodness. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tortillas, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 soft tortillas (8 inches)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can nacho cheese soup
- 1 can diced tomatoes with chiles (drained)
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sour cream
Garnish Ingredients:
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Optional: additional sour cream
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×9-inch (23×23 centimeters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Drain excess fat from the beef, then return meat to the skillet and mix in taco seasoning with recommended water amount.
- Simmer beef mixture for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even seasoning distribution.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together Ro-Tel tomatoes, nacho cheese soup, and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
- Fold the seasoned beef into the creamy tomato mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Create the first layer by placing three tortillas across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, covering the entire surface.
- Spread one-third of the beef and tomato mixture evenly over the tortilla layer, making sure to cover completely.
- Repeat the tortilla and beef layering process two more times, creating multiple flavor-packed levels.
- Top the final layer with remaining tortillas and generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into equal portions and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, serving with optional guacamole or additional sour cream.
Notes
- Leftovers keep wonderfully refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container, making meal prep a breeze.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning according to family preferences.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a protein variation that keeps meals interesting.
- Tortillas can be corn or flour-based, depending on your texture and flavor desired for this comfort dish.
- Budget-friendly ingredients transform this casserole into an economical weeknight dinner solution that feeds multiple people.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1030mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 68mg