Taco Bake Casserole Recipe

Tired of the same old recipes on Taco Tuesday? Then mix it up with this irresistible (and incredibly easy) taco bake. This taco bake casserole is ready in less than an hour and it's packed with all your favorite taco flavors that everyone at the table will gobble up. Pour yourself a refreshing margarita and enjoy this top-rated recipe.

How to Make Taco Bake

You'll be shocked at how easy it is to make this taco bake. Here's a brief description of how to prepare the casserole:

1. Step 1: Brown the Beef
   Cook the ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Cook the Taco Mixture
   Stir in water and taco seasoning, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Lower the heat and add refried beans, olives, green chiles, and salsa. Cook everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
   Place half of the broken taco shells in the bottom of a prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Top them with half of the ground beef mixture, followed by half of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers one more time with the remaining taco shells, beef mixture, and cheese.
4. Step 4: Bake
   Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 375F (190C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How Long to Cook Taco Bake?
We recommend a bake time of 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know the taco bake is done when the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What to Serve With Taco Bake?
You can top this taco bake just like you would traditional tacos. Consider adding shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or taco sauce for extra flavor and freshness.

How to Store Taco Bake
Store any leftovers in an airtight in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until fully warmed through.

How to Freeze Taco Bake
Assemble the casserole in a baking dish, ideally a disposable one for easy freezing. Wrap the entire dish tightly with storage wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if needed.

Community Tips and Praise

"The kids loved it. I love the versatility of the recipe. This time I used Doritos instead of taco shells and fire roasted tomatoes. Next time, I think I'll try lime tortilla chips and add guacamole, shredded lettuce, and sour cream to really dress it up," says one home cook.

"This is my kind of recipe...easy and tasty! Also quick to throw together. It was a big hit with our guests," another reviewer shares.

Ingredients

• 1 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• cup water
• 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 1 (10 ounce) can refried beans (optional)
• 1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives (optional)
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
• cup salsa
• 15 taco shells, broken up (or more to taste)
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• Cooking spray (such as Pam)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Cook the ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in water and taco seasoning, and cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the refried beans, olives, green chiles, and salsa. Cook and stir until the mixture is warmed through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Place half of the broken taco shells in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the ground beef mixture, then half of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 360
• Total Fat: 21g (27% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (46% DV)
• Cholesterol: 65mg (22% DV)
• Sodium: 791mg (34% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 21g (7% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 21g (42% DV)
• Vitamin C: 9mg (10% DV)
• Calcium: 216mg (17% DV)
• Iron: 3mg (14% DV)
• Potassium: 348mg (7% DV)