Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Satisfying: Combines all the classic taco flavors into a comforting casserole.
Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make it suitable for both novice and experienced cooks.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different proteins or additional vegetables.
Family-Friendly: Appeals to both adults and children, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound lean ground beef
2 cups salsa
1 (16-ounce) can chili beans, drained
3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
2 cups sour cream
1 (2-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
½ cup chopped green onion
½ cup chopped fresh tomato
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and crumbly, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add Salsa and Beans: Stir the salsa into the cooked ground beef. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Add the drained chili beans and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the tortilla chips, spreading it out evenly. Spread the sour cream evenly over the beef layer. Sprinkle the sliced black olives, chopped green onion, and diced tomatoes over the sour cream. Top the casserole with the shredded Cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Garnish with extra green onions or a dollop of guacamole if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or add more beans and vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Freezing: Freeze the assembled casserole (without sour cream and toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chips?

Yes! Corn chips or tortilla strips work great as substitutes for crushed tortilla chips.

2. How can I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Serve immediately after baking to keep the chips crunchy. If storing leftovers, note that the chips may soften over time.

3. Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Customize with diced avocado, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of sour cream or queso on top.

4. Is there a gluten-free option?

Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning to make this recipe gluten-free.

5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole up to the sour cream layer. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add toppings and cheese just before baking.

6. What type of salsa should I use?

Use your favorite salsa (mild, medium, or hot) to customize the flavor.

7. Can I substitute the chili beans?

Yes, you can use black beans or pinto beans if you prefer.

8. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicier salsa to increase the heat level.

9. Can I add rice to this casserole?

Yes, adding cooked rice can make the casserole more filling. Layer it along with the beef mixture.

10. What sides go well with this casserole?

Pair this Taco Casserole with a fresh side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Taco Casserole is a flavorful, layered dish that combines all your favorite taco ingredients into a warm, cheesy bake. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining a crowd, this casserole is sure to satisfy every appetite!