Taco Casserole
Try this Taco Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Taco Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- sour cream
- hot sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- salsa
- 1 tsp coriander
- serve with:
- casserole:
- black olives sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- avocado diced
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- green onion sliced
- fresh cilantro leaves
- tortilla chips to taste (i used a couple of handfuls)
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion finely diced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded finely diced
- sharp cheddar cheese shredded, to taste
- tomato diced
- lettuce finely chopped
- Carbohydrate 18.8254692186345 g
- Cholesterol 63.683027175 mg
- Fat 27.3558213785955 g
- Fiber 7.79304137952537 g
- Protein 19.9702900222363 g
- Saturated Fat 7.9025965670319 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (338g)
- Sodium 503.716196346479 mg
- Sugar 11.0324278391092 g
- Trans Fat 2.71151250564437 g
- Calories 387 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Coat an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Layer the bottom of the baking dish with some tortilla chips.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, making sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, coriander, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.
- Cook the ground beef mixture for 3-4 minutes, or until nearly cooked through.
- Add the jalapeno and garlic then cook, stirring often, for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat.
- Spoon the meat over the tortilla chips in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with cheese and some sliced olives.
- Place into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with tomato, avocado, green onion, lettuce, and cilantro.
- Serve with hot sauce, salsa, and sour cream, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Taco Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy mom of three, finding quick and easy dinners that the whole family enjoys is always a top priority. This Taco Casserole is my go-to recipe on those hectic weeknights when I need something delicious and satisfying, but don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It’s a simple recipe, but the flavors are bold and satisfying, a real crowd-pleaser.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your family's preferences. Don't like jalapenos? Leave them out! Want to add black beans for extra protein? Go for it! The beauty of this casserole is that it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I often adjust the spice level depending on my kids' moods; sometimes a milder version is preferred, other times they're all about the heat!
The preparation itself is surprisingly straightforward. The majority of the cooking time is spent browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and peppers. Once that's done, the assembly is a breeze. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, top with cheese, and pop it in the oven. While it's baking, I usually use the time to quickly tidy up the kitchen or catch up on emails. It's a win-win situation—a delicious meal and a clean kitchen (mostly!).
Pro-tip: I often prep the ingredients the night before, storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This makes the assembly process even faster, transforming a weeknight dinner into a truly effortless meal. This is particularly helpful on those days when even the thought of cooking feels overwhelming. Prepping ahead makes all the difference!
Serving suggestions: I like to serve this casserole with a side of Mexican rice and a simple salad. The rice adds a nice contrast in texture and flavor, while the salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole. Sometimes, we add some warm flour tortillas for easy scooping and a more interactive dining experience. This transforms the meal from a simple casserole into a more interactive family affair. The kids especially love using tortillas to make little taco cups filled with the casserole.
This Taco Casserole recipe has become a staple in our household. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and customizable meal that’s perfect for busy families. It's a recipe that brings our family together around the table for a warm and satisfying meal, even on the busiest of evenings. And isn't that what cooking is all about - creating happy memories around a table filled with delicious food and laughter?
Beyond the weeknight: This casserole also makes a fantastic meal prep option for lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually improve over time. Simply portion it into individual containers and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and satisfying lunch. It's far healthier than grabbing fast food, and it tastes so much better!
Variations: The beauty of this casserole lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and spices to create your own unique version. Adding black beans or corn provides extra texture and nutrition, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a vibrant burst of freshness.
This Taco Casserole isn't just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious home cooking. It's a reminder that even on the busiest of days, we can create something special and nourishing for our families. So, give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below!
