Beef & Bean Taco Salad Casserole

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

1. Preheat the oven to 375° and spray an 8 X 8 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. 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.
3. While the meat cooks break up tortilla chips and layer in the bottom of the baking dish.  
4. Add water and one envelope taco seasoning to the meat and cook until the water is absorbed, a couple of minutes. 
5. Stir in the refried beans and cook until hot, 3-5 minutes. 
6. 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.
7. Gather your favorite toppings while the casserole bakes.  

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 1/2 – 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!

• Hatch Chile Relleno Casserole
• Vegetarian Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole 
• Low Carb Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
• Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole
• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole