Fiesta Beef Taco Casserole
Satisfy your weeknight cravings with this delectable Fiesta Beef Taco Casserole. Bursting with flavors and textures, this dish combines savory ground beef seasoned with a classic taco blend, rich mushroom soup, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Served on a crunchy bed of tortilla chips, it's a delightful and quick meal that your family will love. Perfect for busy evenings, this casserole can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to dish for any taco lover!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope (mixed into beef)
mushroom soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (added to beef mixture)
beef broth
1 (8 ounce) can (used in beef mixture)
Rotel tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (added to beef mixture)
cheddar cheese
6 slices (sliced and layered on top)
tortilla chips
1 (8 ounce) bag (layered at the bottom)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until it's no longer pink.
3
Stir in the taco seasoning, mushroom soup, beef broth, and Rotel tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
While the beef mixture simmers, prepare a 9x13 inch casserole dish by spreading the bag of tortilla chips evenly on the bottom, leaving them whole.
6
Carefully pour the beef mixture over the tortilla chips, ensuring an even distribution.
7
Layer the sliced cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture, covering it completely.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiesta Beef Taco Casserole?
It is a cheesy, savory casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar cheese layered over crunchy tortilla chips.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire recipe can be prepared and baked in under 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight meal.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need one pound of ground beef for this recipe.
What type of soup is used in the beef mixture?
The recipe calls for one 10.5 ounce can of mushroom soup to add richness and creaminess.
Do I need to add liquid to the beef?
Yes, you should add one 8 ounce can of beef broth to the skillet mixture.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses one 14 ounce can of Rotel tomatoes for a zesty flavor.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch casserole dish is the ideal size for these ingredients.
Should I crush the tortilla chips?
No, the instructions suggest leaving the tortilla chips whole when spreading them on the bottom of the dish.
How do I cook the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until it is no longer pink.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
Allow the mixture of beef, soup, broth, and tomatoes to simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe specifies six slices of cheddar cheese to cover the top.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?
Yes, shredded cheddar cheese can easily be substituted for the sliced cheese.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for approximately 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild to medium kick depending on the variety of Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning you choose.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives for this casserole.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: ground beef, taco seasoning, mushroom soup, beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and is generally very kid-friendly.
What category of cuisine is this?
This is a Mexican-inspired American comfort food dish.
How do I layer the casserole?
Start with tortilla chips on the bottom, pour the beef mixture over them, and finish with a layer of cheese.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Certainly! Adding corn, black beans, or diced onions would complement the flavors well.
Should I drain the beef after browning?
Yes, it is recommended to drain excess fat before adding the seasoning and liquids.
What size bag of tortilla chips is needed?
An 8 ounce bag of tortilla chips is used for the base layer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time, but wait to assemble with chips until right before baking to prevent sogginess.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or a fresh side salad.
How much taco seasoning should I use?
Use one standard 1.25 ounce envelope of taco seasoning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on your specific brands of mushroom soup and taco seasoning; check labels for wheat flour or thickeners.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Cream of chicken or cream of celery can be used if you do not like mushroom soup.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.