Description
This Taco Casserole layers seasoned ground beef, tortilla chips, tomato sauce, and melted Mexican cheese into an easy family dinner. It comes together quickly and can be finished with sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, green onions, or jalapeños.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can tomato soup
1 can water, using the empty soup can
1 packet taco seasoning
1 package tortilla chips
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Sour cream, optional for serving
Shredded lettuce, optional for serving
Green onions, optional for serving
Black olives, optional for serving
Diced tomatoes, optional for serving
Sliced jalapeños, optional for serving
Fresh cilantro, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
3. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.
5. Drain excess grease if needed.
6. Stir in the tomato soup, one can of water, and taco seasoning.
7. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture is evenly combined.
8. Break the tortilla chips into large bite-sized pieces.
9. Spread a layer of tortilla chips over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
10. Spoon part of the seasoned beef mixture over the chips.
11. Sprinkle a layer of shredded Mexican cheese over the beef.
12. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
13. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is hot throughout.
14. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
15. Top with sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, olives, jalapeños, or cilantro as desired.
Notes
Use sturdy tortilla chips so they hold their texture better during baking.
Drain excess grease from the beef before assembling the casserole.
Avoid adding extra liquid to help keep the tortilla chips from becoming soggy.
Bake only until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot.
For make-ahead preparation, cook the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it separately.
Assemble the casserole shortly before baking for the best texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Add fresh toppings only after reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 401
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 89 mg