Cheesy Taco Crunch Casserole

Certainly! Let’s dive into the delicious details of making Taco Casserole, a hearty and family-friendly dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe combines the flavors of traditional tacos into a convenient casserole format, making it a favorite among both kids and adults alike. 🌮🧀

Taco Casserole Recipe

Overview:

• Name: Taco Casserole
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Description: My family loves this dish and I love that it’s easy to throw together. I serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. It’s a great alternative to traditional tacos.
• Recipe Category: Cheese
• Keywords: Meat, Mexican, Kid Friendly, < 60 Mins, Oven

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 393.8
• Fat Content: 29.5g
• Saturated Fat Content: 12.6g
• Cholesterol Content: 90mg
• Sodium Content: 658.8mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 8.1g
• Fiber Content: 1g
• Sugar Content: 2.8g
• Protein Content: 24.2g

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

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   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 2-quart baking dish or casserole dish.

2. Cooking the Ground Beef:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.

3. Adding Flavor:

   • To the cooked ground beef, add salsa, mayonnaise, and chili powder. Mix well until all ingredients are combined evenly.

4. Layering the Casserole:

   • In the prepared baking dish, create layers using half of each ingredient in the following order:
     • Half of the seasoned ground beef mixture
     • Half of the tortilla chips
     • Half of the Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

5. Repeat Layers:

   • Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients to create a second layer of:
     • Seasoned ground beef mixture
     • Tortilla chips
     • Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

6. Baking:

   • Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.

7. Finishing Touches:

   • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Top with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream if desired.

8. Optional Variation:

   • Instead of using chili powder separately, you can substitute 1 envelope of taco seasoning mix. Adjust the amount of salsa and mayonnaise to achieve your preferred consistency.

Serving:

• Serve the Taco Casserole hot, accompanied by a side salad or your favorite Mexican-inspired sides. It’s a complete meal in itself, packed with all the flavors of tacos but in an easy-to-make casserole form.

Tips:

• Ensure the ground beef is well drained after browning to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
• Customize the toppings based on your preferences. Additional options could include diced avocado, jalapeños, or black olives.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy making this Taco Casserole for your family or friends! It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a regular favorite at your dinner table. 🍽️