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top down view of the finished taco casserole
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Taco Casserole

A flavorful casserole that's perfect for taco night!
Course Main Course
Cuisine american, western
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 583kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (453g) lean ground beef
  • 1 small red onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup (260g) refried beans
  • ½ cup (82g) sweet corn
  • 8.9 ounces (254g) salsa 1 jar
  • 2 cups (220g) cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups (100g) Doritos crushed

Optional Garnish

  • Lettuce cut into ribbons
  • Sliced olives
  • Chopped onion

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C.
  • In a cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef using a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks.
  • When the beef is cooked, add onion, garlic and cumin to the beef. Stir well before adding the refried beans, sweet corn and salsa.
  • When the beef mixture is hot, remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the cheese.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the bottom of the dish with crushed doritos. Spread the beef mixture over the doritos and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts. Garnish as desired with lettuce, olives and onion before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Make sure the ground beef is fully cooked until it's browned and no longer pink. This ensures the meat is fully cooked and adds a rich flavor to the casserole.
  • After cooking the ground beef, drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy or oily.
  • Use lean beef for less excess fat.
  • Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference for heat and flavor. You can add more or less to suit your taste buds.
  • Use a spicy salsa for more heat and a mild salsa for less heat. 
  • Crush the Doritos right before layering them in the casserole. This helps them retain their texture during baking.
  • Be creative with the toppings. Consider adding sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream on top of the casserole before serving. These extras can enhance both the flavor and visual appeal of the dish.
  • After removing the casserole from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut and serve.
  • Storage - keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 583kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 1011mg | Potassium: 463mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 487IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 312mg | Iron: 3mg