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Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot easier. This Taco Casserole layers crunchy crushed tortilla chips with a saucy beef and chili bean filling, a cool layer of sour cream, black olives, green onions, fresh tomato, and a big blanket of melted cheddar. It bakes up hot and bubbly, and every scoop has a little bit of everything.
It’s hearty, cheesy, and kid-approved, and it’s a great way to feed the family without standing over a stove assembling individual tacos. Just layer it, bake it, and dig in.
You’ll find more family-friendly bakes in my casserole recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the taco flavor: Beef, salsa, beans, sour cream, and cheese in one dish.
- Crunchy and creamy: Tortilla chips on the bottom, melty cheese on top.
- Simple ingredients: Salsa does a lot of the seasoning work for you.
- Family favorite: Kids and adults both love it.
- Easy to customize: Top it with your favorite taco fixings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what goes into this taco casserole. You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Lean ground beef: One pound makes the hearty filling.
- Salsa: Two cups, simmered with the beef for big flavor. Use mild or hot, whatever you like.
- Chili beans: One 16-ounce can, drained.
- Tortilla chips: Three cups, crushed, for a crunchy base.
- Sour cream: Spread over the beef for a cool, creamy layer.
- Black olives, green onion, and fresh tomato: Classic taco toppings, baked right in.
- Shredded cheddar: Two cups to cover everything.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the oven and dish
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Brown the beef
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring, for 8 to 10 minutes, until crumbly.
3. Simmer with salsa and beans
Stir in the salsa, lower the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the beans and cook until heated through.
4. Layer the casserole
Spread the crushed tortilla chips over the bottom of the dish and spoon the beef mixture on top. Spread the sour cream over the beef, then scatter the olives, green onion, and tomato over it. Cover everything with the cheddar.
5. Bake
Bake for about 30 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Serve.
Tips and Variations
- Simmer off the liquid: Letting the salsa reduce keeps the chips from getting soggy.
- Crush the chips lightly: Leave some bigger pieces for a better crunch.
- Drain the beef: If your beef releases a lot of fat, drain it before adding the salsa.
- Use ground turkey: A leaner swap that works great.
- Add some heat: Use a spicy salsa or add sliced jalapeños on top.
- Change the cheese: A Mexican blend or pepper jack is delicious.
How to Serve This Recipe
Scoop the casserole onto plates and top it with shredded lettuce, extra salsa, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
Round out a taco-night menu with Easy Homemade Guacamole and chips, a side of Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad, or a bowl of Mexican Street Corn Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dish do I need?
A 9×13-inch baking dish, sprayed with cooking spray.
Will the chips get soggy?
Simmering the salsa until the liquid is absorbed helps keep the chip layer from getting soggy.
How long does taco casserole bake?
About 30 minutes at 350°F, until hot and bubbling.
Can I use different beans?
Yes. Black beans or pinto beans work in place of chili beans.
What toppings go with taco casserole?
Shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños, and guacamole are all great.
You May Also Love
- Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Beef Enchiladas
- 5-Ingredient Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Easy Ground Beef Quesadillas
- Chile Relleno Casserole
Taco Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup green onion chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh tomato chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring, for 8 to 10 minutes, until crumbly.
- Stir in the salsa, lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the beans and cook until heated through.
- Spread the crushed tortilla chips over the bottom of the dish and spoon the beef mixture on top.
- Spread the sour cream over the beef, then scatter with the olives, green onion and tomato. Cover everything with the cheddar.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Serve.
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- Nutrition: Estimated per serving from the ingredients, using 90% lean beef and regular sour cream.
