Kid-Friendly Taco Casserole Delight
This hearty Taco Casserole Delight is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for hungry kiddos and picky eaters alike! Packed with lean ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, zesty taco sauce, and delicious cheese, it's a delight for the taste buds! Top it off with crunchy corn chips, fresh shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal. A little side of ketchup can make it even more appealing for those who love that extra twist! This casserole is not only simple to prepare but also a fun family meal that brings everyone together.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
1 lb (Crumble and brown)
Pinto beans
1 (15 ounce) can (Drained and mashed with a fork)
Taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope (Ready to use)
Cottage cheese
1 cup (Unprepared)
Mild taco sauce
1 cup (Unprepared or mild salsa pureed)
Onion
1/4 cup (Minced (optional))
Green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (Chopped (optional))
Shredded cheese
12 ounces (Cheddar or Monterey Jack, shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2
In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
3
Lower the heat to medium and add the mashed pinto beans and taco seasoning to the pan. Stir to combine, adding a few tablespoons of water if necessary to create a smooth mixture.
4
If using, stir in the minced onion and chopped green chilies, heating until warmed through.
5
Transfer the beef and bean mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6
In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese and taco sauce until well combined, then spread this mixture over the beef layer in the baking dish.
7
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, then cover the dish with aluminum foil.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. If the cheese isn't melted to your liking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
9
Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Top with shredded lettuce, a scoop of sour cream, and crumbled corn chips. Enjoy your delightful dish!
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
25g
Carbs
27g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Kid-Friendly Taco Casserole Delight.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 450 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This dish contains 27g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the Taco Casserole?
There are 27g of fat in each serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The casserole contains 25g of carbohydrates.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of lean ground beef.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9 inch baking dish is required.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
What beans are included in this taco casserole?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of pinto beans.
How should I prepare the pinto beans?
The beans should be drained and mashed with a fork.
What is mixed with the cottage cheese?
The cottage cheese is mixed with 1 cup of mild taco sauce.
What kind of cheese should I use for the topping?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese is recommended.
How much cheese is needed for the topping?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of shredded cheese.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, minced onion and chopped green chilies are optional additions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 main ingredients.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Crumble and brown the beef in a frying pan, then drain the excess fat.
What should I do if the cheese is not melted enough?
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
How long should the dish rest before serving?
Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes.
What are the suggested toppings for this meal?
Suggested toppings include shredded lettuce, sour cream, and crumbled corn chips.
Can I use salsa instead of taco sauce?
Yes, you can use pureed mild salsa as a substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it is designed specifically to be flavorful and appealing to kids and picky eaters.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include taco casserole, kid-friendly, simple recipe, family meal, and weeknight dinner.
What provides the taco flavor in the meat?
A 1 1/4 ounce envelope of taco seasoning is added to the beef and beans.
How do I make the beef and bean mixture smooth?
You can add a few tablespoons of water while stirring the seasoning and beans into the beef.
How much taco sauce is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of mild taco sauce.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, lightly spray the dish with cooking spray before starting.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking period.
What size can of green chilies is used?
A 4 ounce can of chopped green chilies is suggested.
What makes this a complete meal?
Topping it with fresh lettuce, sour cream, and crunchy chips creates a complete experience.