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Easy Beef Taco Casserole

A close-up of a hearty slice of beef taco casserole, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tortillas, and melted cheddar cheese.

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A simple, layered Tex-Mex bake with ground beef, beans, tortillas, and cheese, perfect for family dinners and make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 810 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced onions, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning, refried beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and salsa. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  4. Spread half of the tortilla pieces evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas.
  6. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheeses over the beef mixture.
  7. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheeses.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite optional toppings.

Notes

  • For a freezer-friendly version, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
  • You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and mix with the other filling ingredients. Layer in the slow cooker with tortillas and cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  • This recipe is a great base for meal planning, offering a hearty and satisfying dish that appeals to the whole family.

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