Fantastic Taco Casserole!
Prep
35 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
You've got to try this fantastic taco casserole! It's one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. Ground beef mixed with fresh garlic, peppers, and a kick of chili spice creates layers of incredible flavor, and the melted cheddar cheese on top is absolutely irresistible. Plus, all those fresh tomatoes and bell peppers packed into every bite mean you're sneaking in plenty of vitamin C and fiber. This is comfort food that actually feels a little bit nutritious, and honestly, that's my favorite kind of meal to serve my family.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 11 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 largeonion(finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoonsminced fresh garlic(or to taste)
- 11 bell pepper(use red or green, seeded and chopped)
- 1seasoning salt
- 1black pepper
- 237 mlwater
- 2 teaspoonsdried chili pepper flakes(or to taste)
- 11(215 ml) bottle taco sauce (can use two bottles of taco sauce if desired)
- 12(4 ounce) cans diced green chilies)
- 946 mlshredded cheddar cheese(divided)
- 1 largefirm tomatoes(can use 2 tomatoes)
- 13 sliced green onions(optional)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Set oven to 350 degrees.
- 2
Cook beef, onion, bell pepper, chili flakes and garlic until beef is no longer pink; drain then season with seasoning salt and black pepper (or cayenne pepper).
- 3
Stir in water, taco sauce, green chiles, half of the olives and taco seasoning mix (you can use 2 packages of seasoning mix if desired for this).
- 4
Cook over low heat for about 6-8 minutes.
- 5
Layer HALF of broken shells on bottom of greased 13x9 baking pan; cover with HALF of meat sauce, then sprinkle with 2 cups (or to taste) cheddar cheese.
- 6
Repeat with remaining broken taco shells, meat sauce and then top with remaining cheese (to prevent the cheese from getting hard, you can sprinkle on the last 10 minutes before the end of baking time and return to oven until melted).
- 7
Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly, and cheese is melted.
- 8
After baking, sprinkle with remaining olives, tomatoes and green onions.
- 9
**NOTE** I sometimes drizzle bottled salsa sauce (mild or spicy) on top of the ground beef and then on top before baking.
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Beergarita
My go to drink for summer gatherings is this refreshing Beergarita, and let me tell you, it's a total crowd pleaser. The combination of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a cold Corona creates something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Lime juice is packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and the whole thing takes just five minutes to throw together. Best part? It's incredibly budget friendly since you're probably already stocking most of these ingredients anyway.
Tropical Quinoa
This tropical quinoa bowl has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in just forty minutes and tastes like a mini vacation on a plate. Quinoa is one of my favorite ingredients since it's a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, making it so satisfying and perfect for keeping energy levels steady. The combination of papaya, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro brings vibrant flavors and colors, while the rice wine vinegar and orange zest add just the right brightness. Best part is the ingredient list is simple and affordable, yet feels fancy enough to impress anyone at your table.
Coconut & raspberry crush
Have you tried making a drink that's both refreshing and genuinely good for you? This coconut and raspberry crush is my go to when I want something special without the fuss. The best part is how quick it comes together in just ten minutes of prep. Coconut water is absolutely fantastic for hydration, packed with natural electrolytes that your body actually needs. I love combining it with tart raspberries and a hint of mint for that perfect balance of sweet and zingy. It's simple, it's delicious, and honestly, it feels like you're treating yourself to something fancy.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.