This Easy Taco Casserole is a great, family-friendly meal. It’s always a big hit with the kids!
Easy Taco Casserole
I don’t know about your family, but my family is always asking for tacos for dinner. We have some great places here in Arizona where we can grab tacos easily enough. And they’re very good tacos at that! But tacos are not too difficult to make at home. I make them often and this casserole recipe is even easier!
🛒Ingredients needed:
- ground beef
- onions
- taco seasoning mix
- water
- refried beans
- taco sauce
- tortilla chips
- shredded cheddar cheese
- lettuce and tomatoes
✏️How to make Easy Taco Casserole:
*The complete, printable recipe with all ingredients and instructions is at the end of this post.
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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In a medium skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium high heat until beef is thoroughly cooked. Drain off the fat. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water; simmer 10 minutes.
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In medium bowl, combine refried beans and taco sauce.
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In an ungreased 8 inch square (2 quart) baking dish, layer ½ the bean mixture, ½ the beef mixture, 2 cups tortilla chips and 1 cup of the cheese. Top with remaining bean mixture and beef mixture.
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Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Top with remaining tortilla chips and cheese. Return to oven; bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with lettuce and tomatoes.
➡️Recipe Tips:
- We like to scoop our taco casserole on top of chopped iceberg lettuce and garnish with fresh tomatoes. (I don’t go for eat iceberg lettuce, but I love it with this sort of recipe because the crunchy texture is nice!)
- This can also be topped with sour cream and fresh avocado!
- If you want to sneak in a few veggies, try adding chopped bell pepper or zucchini.
✔️What to do with Easy Taco Casserole:
- Make this for dinner on those crazy busy nights. I find that sometimes it’s easier to just throw it all together instead of preparing the filling, tortillas, etc. for regular tacos.
- This is generally a big hit with kids, so if yours are having friends over for dinner it’s a great choice for dinner,
- Make up a batch of Spanish Rice to serve along with this.
★How to Store:
I wouldn’t freeze this one, but any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The leftover casserole will make for a great lunch!
❤️Why I love this recipe:
- Everyone seems to like a casserole, so this dinner recipe is always welcome.
- This recipe is a mish-mash of taco-type ingredients that I often already have on hand, making it so fast and easy to put together.
- I love that it’s a delicious change from everyday tacos.
Here are a few more taco recipes you might enjoy:
Easy Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup chopped onions
- One 1¼-ounce package taco seasoning mix
- ¾ cup water
- One 16-ounce can refried beans
- One 8-ounce jar taco sauce
- 2½ cups tortilla chips
- 1¾ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded lettuce
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a medium skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium high heat until beef is thoroughly cooked. Drain off the fat. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water; simmer 10 minutes.
- In medium bowl, combine refried beans and taco sauce.
- In an ungreased 8 inch square (2 quart) baking dish, layer ½ the bean mixture, ½ the beef mixture, 2 cups tortilla chips and 1 cup of the cheese. Top with remaining bean mixture and beef mixture.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Top with remaining tortilla chips and cheese. Return to oven; bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with lettuce and tomatoes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
ICan I use salsa instead of taco sauce? I always have salsa in the fridge, & never buy taco sauce. Thank you!
I have a taco casserole recipe that my family loves. I’ll have to make this one next time and hope my family doesn’t revolt! Looks good!
It looks delicious and pretty simple. will Pin for later.