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Yummy Taco Casserole

Featured in Main Meals Everyone Enjoys.

This cheesy taco bake transforms tacos into a hearty, one-dish meal. Layers of beef, beans, salsa, and chips create a satisfying dinner topped with gooey cheese. Finish it up with fresh toppings like sour cream or tomatoes. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's a fun, crowd-pleasing option for busy nights. Crunchy chips make it a family favorite, especially with kids.
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Una donna con un cappello a coda di cavallo e un vestito nero.
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 21:20:40 GMT
A delicious taco bake with a serving spoon. Pin it
A delicious taco bake with a serving spoon. | kylierecipes.com

Switch up your dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing Mexican bake that combines spiced beef, gooey cheese, and crisp tortilla chips in one dish. Your family will love how this meal packs all those tasty taco flavors in a simple dish that works for busy weeknights or laid-back get-togethers.

What makes this dish special is how everything stacks together, with each layer bringing something unique. The seasoned meat forms a tasty foundation, while the chips give you that satisfying crunch in every mouthful.

Essential Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Go for 85% lean for better taste without too much grease
  • Tortilla Chips: Grab the nacho cheese ones for richer flavor
  • Black Beans: They pack extra protein and nice chewiness
  • Mexican Cheese: Shred it yourself for smoother, more even melting
A mouthwatering Mexican creation topped with fresh tomatoes, black olives, and sliced avocado, served in a white bowl. Pin it
A mouthwatering Mexican creation topped with fresh tomatoes, black olives, and sliced avocado, served in a white bowl. | kylierecipes.com

Cooking Steps

Starting the Meat:
Cook beef with onions in oil until no pink remains. Add your seasonings and let the fat drain off. The beef needs good flavor but shouldn't be overpowering.
Mixing the Center:
Stir meat together with corn and beans. Mix in salsa and some of the cheese. It should be damp but not soupy.
Building the Layers:
Start with broken chips on the bottom. Spread meat mix evenly over them. Finish with the leftover cheese on top.

Baking Guidelines

Cook at 350°F so the cheese gets all melty while the chips stay somewhat crunchy. Watch carefully in the last few minutes.

Tasty Add-ons

Put out small dishes of chopped tomatoes, lettuce shreds, and dollops of sour cream so everyone can fix their plate just how they like it.

Make-Ahead Options

You can fix the meat mixture a day early. Just wait to add the chips until you're ready to bake so they don't get soggy.

Leftover Ideas

Turn any extra portions into stuffed burritos or taco salad bowls to keep things interesting.

Expert Advice

  • Arrange some chips around the sides for extra crunch
  • Make sure you drain the meat really well
  • Keep some chips aside for serving alongside

This easy-to-make dish shows how basic ingredients can create something really special. It's great for family meals or potluck parties, and it always brings smiles around the table.

A tasty Mexican dish garnished with fresh tomatoes, cucumber slices, and black olives, presented in a white bowl. Pin it
A tasty Mexican dish garnished with fresh tomatoes, cucumber slices, and black olives, presented in a white bowl. | kylierecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this ahead of time?
Sure, you can make the beef mix early, but wait to add chips and cheese until just before baking so they stay fresh.
→ What can I use if I run out of Doritos?
Any tortilla chips or flavored corn chips will work just fine instead of Doritos.
→ Can I swap the beef for something else?
Definitely! Try using ground turkey or chicken as an easy substitute.
→ How should I store any leftovers?
Pop leftovers into a container with a lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days, but the chips might lose their crunch.
→ Is there a way to make it vegetarian?
Totally! Skip the meat and add more beans or some extra vegetables instead.

Taco Casserole Bake

Packed with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy chips, this dish comes together fast. Add your favorite toppings for a quick, no-fuss meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Kylie

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 tbsp olive oil
02 1/2 diced medium onion
03 1 pound lean ground beef

→ Seasonings

04 1 tbsp chili powder
05 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 1/2 tsp cumin

→ Casserole Ingredients

07 1 (14 oz) can black beans, rinsed and strained
08 2 cups (split up) of shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese blend
09 2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
10 1 (15.5 oz) jar of salsa
11 1 (12 oz) can sweet corn, drained of liquid

→ Optional Toppings

12 Choose from: fresh cilantro, chopped lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, avocado, black olives, scallions

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 350°F and place the rack in the center spot.

Step 02

In a pan on medium-high heat, warm the oil. Toss in the beef and break it apart as it browns for about 5 minutes. Add onions and spices, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 03

Use a 9x13 pan to create a layer of crushed Doritos at the base.

Step 04

Drain any fat from the cooked beef. Combine the beef with the salsa, corn, beans, and half the cheese in the pan until the cheese is melted. Pour this over the Doritos in the dish.

Step 05

Top it all with the rest of the cheese. Leave it uncovered and bake it for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and nicely melted. Serve while hot with any toppings you like.

Notes

  1. Makes 6-8 portions depending on how hungry you are.
  2. This dish is also featured in Salt & Lavender's Everyday Essentials collection.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Big skillet or frying pan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 441
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 27 g