Taco Casserole Recipe
Overview
Enjoy the flavors of a classic taco in casserole form with this easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual potluck gathering. This Taco Casserole recipe is hearty, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It’s loaded with ground beef, cheese, and all the classic taco toppings, baked to perfection in the oven.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories per Serving: 667.9 kcal
- Rating: 5 stars (based on 5 reviews)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives, divided
- 4 oz mild cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Sour cream, for garnish
Note: Ingredients marked as “optional” are recommended for flavor enhancement.
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
-
Stir in water, taco sauce, diced green chilies, 1/4 cup of sliced olives, and seasoning mix. Let it simmer over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Layer half of the broken taco shells on the bottom of a greased 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
-
Cover the taco shells with half of the meat sauce mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
-
Repeat with another layer of broken taco shells, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the shredded cheese.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
-
Top the baked casserole with the remaining sliced olives, chopped tomatoes, and green onions.
-
Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and tang.
Tips for Success
-
Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to use your favorite brand of taco sauce and adjust the heat level with spicier or milder chilies according to your preference.
-
Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Adjust baking time slightly if baking from cold.
-
Serve with: Serve this Taco Casserole with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 667.9 kcal
- Fat: 44.8g
- Saturated Fat: 19.8g
- Cholesterol: 136.4mg
- Sodium: 1226.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Sugar: 4.1g
- Protein: 38.5g
This Taco Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of tacos with the convenience of a casserole, making it a perfect choice for any occasion where you want to serve up something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness of this dish with your loved ones today! 🌮
