Taco Surprise Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite with a Fun Twist
Welcome to a recipe that’s sure to become a household staple! Our Taco Surprise Casserole was given its playful name by the kids, who were genuinely surprised by how much they enjoyed it. It’s a dish that brings together the hearty flavors of taco night with the comforting convenience of a casserole. With a layer of crispy taco chips, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy bean and salsa mixture, this dish is perfect for family dinners and will surely be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 2 1/2 pounds, finely crumbled
- Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (about 1 ounce)
- Refried Beans: 2 cans (15 ounces each)
- Salsa: 1 jar (16 ounces)
- Taco Chips: 2-3 cups (enough to cover the bottom of a 13″ x 9″ pan)
- Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
- Optional: Additional taco chips for scooping
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and come out perfectly every time. -
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Prepare the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and continue cooking for another minute or two, allowing the seasoning to blend well with the beef. -
Mix Beans and Salsa
In a mixing bowl, combine the two cans of refried beans with the jar of salsa. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside. -
Assemble the Casserole
Take a 13″ x 9″ baking dish and layer the bottom with taco chips. This will create a crunchy base that adds texture to your casserole. -
Layer the Beef
Evenly spread the cooked ground beef over the layer of taco chips. -
Add the Bean and Salsa Mixture
Add any remaining liquid from the refried beans and salsa mixture to the beef layer. Then, spread the bean and salsa mixture evenly over the top of the beef. -
Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the casserole to heat through. -
Add Toppings
Remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled taco chips and shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and lets the layers set a bit. Serve with additional taco chips on the side for scooping up the casserole and enjoy this delightful family meal!
Notes
- Calories: Approximately 508.3 per serving
- Fat Content: 29.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 13.1 grams
- Cholesterol: 122.4 milligrams
- Sodium: 1036.1 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 21.6 grams
- Fiber: 6.2 grams
- Sugar: 2.1 grams
- Protein: 38.3 grams
This Taco Surprise Casserole is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful twist on traditional taco flavors. The crispy taco chips combined with seasoned beef and creamy bean mixture create a deliciously satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this recipe is a fantastic choice for any meal. Enjoy! 🌮🧀🍽️
