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Taco Casserole: Easy, Cheesy Family Dinner

Taco casserole is a layered Mexican-inspired dinner made with seasoned beef, salsa, beans, tortilla chips, sour cream, and cheese.
Layer the ingredients in a baking dish and top generously with Cheddar.
Bake at 350°F until hot, bubbly, and beautifully melted.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound halal 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
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomato
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir the salsa into the cooked beef. Reduce the heat and gently simmer for about 20 minutes, or until much of the excess liquid has been absorbed.
  • Add the drained chili beans and stir until evenly combined. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the beans are heated through.
  • Spread the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the tortilla chips, spreading it into an even layer.
  • Carefully spread the sour cream over the beef mixture. Sprinkle the sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and fresh tomato evenly over the sour cream.
  • Finish your Taco Casserole with an even layer of shredded Cheddar cheese.
  • Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese is completely melted.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve this cheesy taco casserole with shredded lettuce, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or extra salsa. A simple green salad also makes a refreshing side for the rich, creamy casserole.
For a slightly lighter variation, replace some or all of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Black beans or pinto beans can also replace the chili beans if preferred.