Description
A foolproof, kid-approved casserole that combines browned ground beef, salsa, and cheese layered with tortillas for a crispy, comforting dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) 80/20 ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade
- 1.5 cups (360ml) medium or chunky salsa
- 12–15 small flour tortillas (6-inch / 15cm)
- 2.5 cups (280g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 can (4 oz / 113g) diced green chiles (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles. Cook until no longer pink (7-8 minutes).
- Drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 teaspoon for flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat. Add salsa and simmer for 3-4 minutes until flavors meld and salsa thickens slightly.
- Layer tortillas (cut into quarters) on the bottom of the baking dish. Pour half the beef mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
- Repeat layers: remaining tortillas, remaining beef mixture, and remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.
Notes
Ensure you drain the beef grease well to prevent sogginess. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make slicing cleaner. For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas (warm them first to prevent cracking). For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with black beans and corn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 24
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: taco casserole, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, kid-friendly meals, one-dish dinner, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner