Description
A layered taco casserole with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for a quick and hearty family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 1/4 cups tortilla chips, coarsely crushed
- 16 ounce can refried beans
- 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced olives
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9-inch square or 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it up until browned.
- Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Layer crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread refried beans over the chips.
- Pour cooked beef mixture over beans. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add desired fresh toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with diced chicken or ground turkey.
- Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for variation.
- Try flavored tortilla chips or layer flour/corn tortillas.
- Swap refried beans for black beans or pinto beans.
- Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Incorporate bell peppers, corn, or other vegetables into beef mixture.
- Top with sour cream, avocado, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, green onions, or cilantro.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven at 325°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing not recommended as chips may become soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
