Beef and Bean Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
plus more for greasing dish
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion
finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- One 15-ounce can pinto beans
strained and rinsed
- 2 cups jarred tomato salsa
plus more for serving
- 6 cups yellow corn tortilla chips
plus more for serving, about 5 ounces
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey jack blend
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey jack blend
- Suggested toppings
- 1 cup sour cream
stirred well for easy dolloping
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 plum tomatoes
diced
- 1/2 avocado
diced
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos
chopped
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish.
- 2
Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the beef and sprinkle with the chili powder, cumin, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat into smaller pieces, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes more. Add the beans, salsa and 1/2 cup water and bring to a simmer; cook until the sauce thickens and coats the meat, about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. (This beef-and-bean mixture can be made up to a day ahead of time.)
- 3
Lay half the tortilla chips on the bottom of the oiled casserole dish. Spread half the meat mixture on top. Sprinkle half the cheese blend over the meat. Repeat with the remaining chips, meat and cheese. Bake uncovered until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot, about 20 minutes.
- 4
Top with sour cream, lettuce, tomato, avocado and pickled jalapenos if desired. Serve with more salsa and tortilla chips on the side.
Beef and Bean Taco Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 100 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, flavorful weeknight meal that’s as comforting as it is simple to prepare? This Beef and Bean Taco Casserole delivers all the satisfying tastes of your favorite tacos in an easy-to-assemble bake.
What makes this Beef and Bean Taco Casserole a standout is its clever "broken enchilada" inspiration, creating a soft, savory base of cooked tortilla chips without the fuss of rolling individual tortillas. It's a testament to achieving maximum flavor and comfort with minimal effort in the kitchen.
You'll be greeted by a rich, savory aroma as this casserole bakes, promising a dish packed with familiar taco flavors. Each generous scoop offers tender, seasoned ground beef and creamy pinto beans, all mingling with robust tomato salsa and a generous blanket of melted Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The base of softened tortilla chips creates a wonderfully yielding texture, reminiscent of enchiladas, perfectly balancing the fresh crunch of your chosen toppings.
Feel free to customize this taco casserole to suit your pantry or preferences. You could easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. Black beans would be an excellent substitute for pinto beans, and if you prefer a different cheese, a sharp Colby Jack or Pepper Jack would also melt beautifully. Don't forget to play with the toppings – they add a crucial layer of texture and freshness.
This Beef and Bean Taco Casserole is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. Serve it warm with extra salsa on the side, allowing everyone to pile on their favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or pickled jalapenos for that ultimate taco experience.