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Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole

This Taco Casserole layers crunchy tortilla chips, savory beef, creamy sour cream, fresh toppings, and plenty of melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner. Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, it delivers unbeatable flavor and texture in every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat & Sauce Base
  • 2 lb lean ground beef 90% lean for less grease
  • 4 cups chunky salsa medium or mild
  • 32 oz chili beans drained but not rinsed
For the Layers
  • 6 cups tortilla chips crushed into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups sour cream full-fat or light
For the Toppings
  • 4 oz sliced black olives drained
  • 1 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 cup fresh tomatoes diced
  • 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no pink remains, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in salsa, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened. Add drained beans and heat through.
  4. Spread crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Spoon beef mixture over chips and smooth with a spatula.
  5. Spread sour cream evenly over the beef layer.
  6. Sprinkle olives, green onions, and diced tomatoes evenly over sour cream. Top with shredded cheese.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. Swap Cheddar for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor. Stale chips work well as they absorb flavors without getting soggy. Add taco seasoning for an extra flavor boost.