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Spicy Taco Casserole Recipe

Spicy Taco Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired cheesy taco casserole delivers comfort with ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla layers. Hearty flavors blend perfectly for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: sour cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can black beans (drained)
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Toppings:

  • chopped lettuce
  • diced tomatoes
  • jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to a steady 350F (175C), ensuring an even warming environment for the casserole.
  2. Using a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color, carefully draining excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
  3. Enhance the beef’s flavor profile by incorporating taco seasoning and salsa, stirring thoroughly and allowing the mixture to simmer and meld together for approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into a prepared baking dish, creating an even foundational layer that promises robust flavor.
  5. Distribute black beans across the beef layer, providing additional protein and textural contrast.
  6. Generously blanket the beans and meat with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
  7. Crush tortilla chips into rustic fragments and sprinkle them atop the cheese layer, adding a delightful crunch and traditional taco-inspired element.
  8. Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden landscape.
  9. Once removed from the oven, adorn with preferred taco accompaniments like diced tomatoes, sour cream, or chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, leaner protein option that keeps the dish’s robust flavor profile.
  • Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy salsa to match personal taste preferences and dietary sensitivity.
  • Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which helps meld flavors and makes weeknight dinner planning easier.
  • For gluten-free version, use corn tortilla chips and verify taco seasoning mix doesn’t contain wheat-based additives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleasing meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 510 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg