Description
An easy oven-baked taco casserole layered with crushed tortilla chips, refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with fresh taco garnishes for a family-friendly Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
- ¼ cup premium taco seasoning blend
- 2 cups robust tortilla chips, lightly crushed
- 1 (31-ounce) can prepared refried beans
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- Optional toppings: fresh shredded lettuce, diced ripe tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or extra tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or your preferred non-stick spray, preparing it for assembly.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, warm the olive oil over a medium-high flame. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions have softened, approximately 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Integrate the diced tomatoes, along with their liquid, and the taco seasoning into the beef mixture. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the mixture to gently simmer. Stir periodically until the sauce thickens and most of the liquid has evaporated, which should take about 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Evenly distribute the lightly crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, forming the foundational layer of your casserole.
- Carefully spoon the refried beans over the layer of tortilla chips, spreading them into an even coating.
- Next, spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture over the refried beans. Crown the casserole generously with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. Allow to rest briefly before serving. Garnish with your favorite fresh taco toppings and serve hot, perhaps with additional tortilla chips for scooping.
Notes
- This recipe uses lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Customize with your preferred taco toppings for added freshness and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.