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Easy Layered Ground Beef Mexican Taco Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Easy Layered Ground Beef Mexican Taco Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining seasoned ground beef, refried beans, creamy sour cream and salsa layers, melted cheddar cheese, and soft flour tortillas, this casserole brings all the favorite taco flavors into one convenient, oven-baked recipe. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and perfect for satisfying cravings.

Ingredients

Meat & Beans

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can refried beans

Sauces & Seasonings

  • 1½ cups salsa, divided
  • ¼ cup taco seasoning
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 cup sour cream

Dairy & Cheese

  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Carbs

  • 6 burrito size flour tortillas

Fresh Toppings

  • 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease to remove excess fat and prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
  2. Add Seasoning & Simmer: Stir in ¾ cup water and ¼ cup taco seasoning to the browned beef. Mix well and simmer on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Mix in Beans & Salsa: Add one can of refried beans and ½ cup of salsa to the taco-seasoned beef mixture. Stir until combined and then remove the skillet from heat.
  4. Prepare Sour Cream Salsa Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream with the remaining 1 cup of salsa. Stir well to create a creamy salsa sauce for layering.
  5. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  6. First Tortilla Layer: Place 2 burrito-size flour tortillas flat on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, covering the base evenly.
  7. Spread Sour Cream Mixture: Evenly spread about ⅔ cup of the sour cream and salsa mixture over the tortillas to create a creamy layer.
  8. Add Taco Beef Layer: Spoon and evenly spread ⅓ of the taco beef and bean mixture over the sour cream layer in the dish.
  9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the taco beef layer to add flavor and help bind layers.
  10. Second Tortilla Layer: Lay 2 more tortillas on top, tearing as needed to cover all parts of the cheese layer without the tortillas touching the dish sides.
  11. Repeat Layers: Repeat spreading the sour cream salsa mixture, then ⅓ of the taco beef mixture, followed by 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the second tortilla layer.
  12. Third Tortilla Layer: Add the final 2 tortillas layer, covering the casserole evenly.
  13. Final Layers: Spread one last layer of the remaining sour cream salsa mixture and the last ⅓ of taco beef mixture over the tortillas.
  14. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on the top layer of the casserole.
  15. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly throughout the layers.
  16. Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes on top for freshness and color. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Use low-fat sour cream to reduce calories and fat content if desired.
  • Adjust the amount of taco seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
  • Tearing tortillas in the middle layers helps to cover the entire surface without the edges curling up.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/easy-layered-ground-beef-mexican-taco-casserole-recipe/