Layered Taco Delight Casserole
This Layered Taco Delight Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that transforms traditional taco night into a comforting, easy-to-make masterpiece. Each layer bursts with flavor, starting with crispy corn chips as the base, followed by a hearty mix of seasoned ground beef and creamy refried beans. Topped with melty Monterey Jack cheese and garnished with fresh green onions, black olives, and vibrant tomatoes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you're enjoying it solo with delicious leftovers or sharing it with friends, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Experience the joy of taco night in a whole new delicious way!
8
Servings
360
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (mixed with ground beef according to package directions)
refried beans
1 (15 ounce) can (heated on stove until hot)
Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups, divided (shredded)
salsa
1 cup (mild or to preference)
green onions
2 (chopped)
sliced black olives
1 (2 1/3 ounce) can (drained)
tomato
1 (chopped)
corn chips
2 cups (coarsely crushed or chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
Add the taco seasoning to the beef, following the package directions for mixing with the proper amount of water. Simmer until well combined.
4
While the beef is cooking, heat the refried beans in a saucepan until they are warm and smooth.
5
In an 8x8-inch baking dish, create the first layer by evenly spreading the corn chips on the bottom.
6
Once the refried beans are ready, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1 cup of salsa until thoroughly combined.
7
Spread the bean and cheese mixture evenly over the layer of corn chips.
8
Next, layer the seasoned ground beef over the beans, spreading it out evenly.
9
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of the beef layer.
10
Garnish with chopped green onions and black olives.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Remove from the oven and top with freshly chopped tomatoes. Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
22.4g
Fat
26.3g
Carbs
15.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Layered Taco Delight Casserole?
It is a crowd-pleasing casserole that layers corn chips, seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and Monterey Jack cheese, garnished with fresh toppings.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The first layer is created by evenly spreading 2 cups of coarsely crushed corn chips on the bottom of the dish.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What size baking dish is required?
An 8x8-inch baking dish is used for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 360 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 15.6g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving has 22.4g of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 26.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
Do I need to drain the ground beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How are the refried beans prepared for layering?
Heat the beans in a saucepan until warm and smooth, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1 cup of salsa.
What kind of salsa should I use?
You can use 1 cup of salsa, mild or to your preference.
When do I add the fresh tomatoes?
Add the freshly chopped tomatoes after the casserole has been removed from the oven.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe uses 2 chopped green onions for garnish.
Are black olives included?
Yes, include one 2 1/3 ounce can of drained, sliced black olives.
What type of taco seasoning is used?
One 1 1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning mixed according to package directions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How should the corn chips be prepared?
The 2 cups of corn chips should be coarsely crushed or chopped.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow the casserole to cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you could substitute with other ground meats like turkey, though flavor may vary.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make masterpiece and family favorite.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, taco, layered, easy, comfort food, beef, cheese, and Mexican cuisine.
What is the order of the layers?
The order is corn chips, then the bean/cheese/salsa mixture, then seasoned beef, then more cheese, and finally garnishes.
How much salsa is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of salsa.
Do I bake the garnishes?
The green onions and black olives are baked on top, but the fresh tomatoes are added after baking.
Is the cheese divided?
Yes, 1 cup is mixed into the beans and the remaining 1 cup is sprinkled over the beef.