Shake up Taco Tuesday by making this taco salad casserole. It is the perfect weeknight dinner because it can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
Mexican food is a family favorite. We eat it out and make it at home a lot. I am always looking for new ways to transform taco night into something out of the ordinary and this easy taco casserole recipe did not disappoint. We were able to make it once and eat it twice and we love meals like that.
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Why you’ll love this taco salad casserole recipe
- All you need are 6 simple ingredients plus toppings.
- It’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together in about half an hour.
- The whole family will love it because they can top it any way they like.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef – I like lean ground beef because it is better for us and we don’t have to drain it. If using fattier ground beef then it will need to be drained.
Refried Beans – we have a favorite brand we almost always buy, use your favorite brand.
Cheese – to make this easier we usually use whatever variety of pre-shredded cheese we have in the fridge. Cheddar cheese, taco cheese blend, Mexican blend cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese are all great choices.
Tortilla Chips – I like regular tortilla chips for this and usually buy the most inexpensive brand.
Onion – we use a little chopped yellow onion. It can be left out if you aren’t a fan.
Taco Seasoning – we buy a packet of taco seasoning, there is a brand that has a low sodium option so we choose it. Sherri over at To Simply Inspire has an easy recipe if you want to make your own homemade taco seasoning.
How to make taco salad in casserole form
- Preheat the oven to 375° and spray an 8 X 8 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat stirring often until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off the fat if you are not using lean ground beef.
- While the meat cooks break up tortilla chips and layer in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add water and one envelope taco seasoning to the meat and cook until the water is absorbed, a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the refried beans and cook until hot, 3-5 minutes.
- Place the bean mixture into the baking dish over the tortilla chips and even it out. Top with cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes or until hot.
- Gather your favorite toppings while the casserole bakes.
Recipe Note* – It is best to add toppings to each serving, especially if you are not planning on eating the whole casserole in one sitting. This way you can reheat it and then use fresh toppings. It is also good if people want to top theirs differently.
Topping ideas
There are many options to top this easy casserole, below are a few suggestions:
- salsa
- sour cream
- green onions
- shredded lettuce
- black olives
- sliced jalapeños
- pico de gallo
- diced avocado
- guacamole
Substitutions & Additions
- Swap the ground beed with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Add chopped green pepper, just add it in with the ground meat so it has a chance to cook while the meat browns, maybe ½ – 1 cup.
- A can of green chiles would be a nice addition. This can be added as a layer on top of the ground beef mixture or mixed right into it.
- In addition to, or instead of, refried beans add rinsed and drained pinto beans or black beans.
- Change up the type of chips; corn chips, nacho cheese chips or Ranch flavored chips would all be good choices.
- Don’t have tortilla chips but have taco shells? Use those instead, just break them into pieces.
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave and top with fresh toppings.
Try these casseroles next!
- Chile Relleno Casserole
- Vegetarian Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Csserole
- Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Low Carb Chicken Enchiladas
- Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Casseroles are the ultimate time-saver. This dish is actually one of the top favorites from my guide to 15 Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner.
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Beef & Bean Taco Salad Casserole
Ingredients
- Cooking Spray
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning 1 ounce
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup tortilla chips broken into pieces
- 1 can refried beans 16 ounces
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, avocado
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° and spray an 8 X 8 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.Cooking Spray
- Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat stirring often until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off the fat if you are not using lean ground beef.1 pound ground beef, ¼ cup onion
- While the meat cooks break up tortilla chips and layer in the bottom of the baking dish.1 cup tortilla chips
- Add water and one envelope taco seasoning to the meat mixture and cook until the water is absorbed, a couple of minutes. Stir in the refried beans and cook stirring often until hot, 3-5 minutes.1 packet taco seasoning, ¼ cup water
- Place the bean mixture into the baking dish over the tortilla chips and even it out. Top with cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes or until hot1 can refried beans, 1 cup shredded cheese
- Gather and prepare your favorite toppings while the casserole bakes.lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, avocado
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe minimally adapted from Taste of Home.
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About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.