Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired Cheesy Taco Casserole delivers comfort with bold southwestern flavors that dance across your palate. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 2 pounds ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 (1 ounce) packets taco seasoning
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup milk
Dry Ingredients and Toppings:
- 1 1/4 cups biscuit or baking mix
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 3/4 cup chopped tomatoes
- Dash of black pepper
- Sliced black olives (for serving)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, eliminating excess grease, and infuse with zesty taco seasoning.
- Whisk eggs, milk, baking mix, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Distribute the seasoned beef evenly across a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a hearty base layer.
- Gently cascade the egg mixture over the beef, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Spread a creamy layer of sour cream atop the egg mixture, adding richness and texture.
- Lavishly sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, creating a golden, melty topping.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the center sets and cheese turns gloriously bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish with crisp shredded lettuce, vibrant diced tomatoes, and briny black olives just before serving to add freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Customize protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Reduce carbohydrates by using a low-carb baking mix or almond flour instead of traditional baking mix.
- Add extra flavor and nutrients by incorporating diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or corn into the ground beef layer for more texture and complexity.
- Make ahead and refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg