Are you searching for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner idea that the whole family will love? Ground Beef Taco Casserole is the perfect solution! This casserole is a savory, hearty dish with all the classic flavors of tacos, packed into a convenient, oven-baked form. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a casual gathering, this dish will satisfy everyone’s cravings for something comforting and filling.
This ground beef taco casserole is not only a budget-friendly option but also a great way to stretch a pound of meat into a meal that serves 4 to 6 people. The casserole features a flavorful base of seasoned ground beef, beans, and spices, topped with fresh ingredients like romaine lettuce, tomato, and cheese. With a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this recipe can be customized to suit your family’s tastes and dietary preferences.
Let’s dive into this easy recipe, which guarantees a delicious dinner in less than an hour!
Table of Contents
Key Features of Ground Beef Taco Casserole
Stretching the Meat: A Budget-Friendly Approach
One of the standout features of this recipe is its ability to stretch one pound of ground beef into a meal that’s hearty enough to serve 4 to 6 people. By adding a can of pinto beans, you not only make the dish more substantial but also increase its protein content, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Beans add an extra layer of nutrition with fiber and help keep the casserole light yet hearty.
Versatile Dish for Different Serving Styles
This casserole offers incredible versatility in how it can be served. You can enjoy it as a classic casserole, or if you’re looking for something lighter, serve it as a warm salad over fresh greens. For an extra crunch, consider pairing it with tortilla chips. This flexibility makes it ideal for a variety of dining occasions, from family dinners to casual gatherings with friends.
Nutritional Information
This taco casserole is packed with nutrients, and here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 489
- Fat: 30.9 g (47.5% daily value)
- Saturated Fat: 12.9 g (64.3%)
- Carbohydrates: 26.0 g (8.7%)
- Fiber: 7.2 g (28.9%)
- Sugars: 6.5 g
- Protein: 28.4 g (56.9%)
- Sodium: 1002.1 mg (41.8%)
Additionally, this recipe is free of tree nuts, fish, soy, peanuts, shellfish, gluten, eggs, and wheat. It’s a low-carb and high-fiber meal that fits various dietary preferences.
Ingredients List: What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this ground beef taco casserole:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 15 ounces tomato salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Ground Beef Taco Casserole
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray, then set it aside.
Cooking the Base:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Transfer the beef to a plate using a slotted spoon, and drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the pinto beans, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in salsa and 3/4 cup of shredded cheese.
Baking and Serving
- Transfer the meat and bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Top the casserole with chopped romaine lettuce and diced tomato. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top.
Storage and Leftovers
This casserole is perfect for making ahead or storing as leftovers. Simply place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ground Beef Taco Casserole
1. Can I prepare this taco casserole in advance?
Yes, this ground beef taco casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe through the cooking stage, but instead of baking, cover the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s warmed through.
2. Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different protein, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. The seasonings in the recipe work well with a variety of proteins, so feel free to adjust based on your preference.
3. Can I freeze the taco casserole for later?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Once it’s baked and completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until it’s heated through and bubbly.
4. How can I make the casserole spicier?
If you love extra heat, there are plenty of ways to add spice to this dish. You can include more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even jalapeños in the filling. For even more heat, top the casserole with some hot sauce before serving to kick up the flavor.
5. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! This taco casserole is naturally gluten-free, provided the salsa and other toppings or condiments you use are also free of gluten. There are no flour-based ingredients in the recipe, so it’s a great choice for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
6. What if I don’t want to use beans in the casserole?
No problem! If you’d prefer not to use beans, you can leave them out or replace them with more meat or other vegetables. If you want to maintain a similar texture, try using finely chopped zucchini, corn, or another veggie of your choice.
7. Can I use a different cheese in the casserole?
Of course! While the recipe suggests mild cheddar or Monterey Jack, feel free to use your favorite cheese. Pepper Jack will add some spice, or you could go for Colby Jack, Mozzarella, or even a Mexican blend for a richer flavor.
8. Can I make this taco casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily transform this casserole into a vegetarian dish. Simply swap the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Don’t forget to adjust the seasonings to ensure the dish remains flavorful and filling.
9. What are some great sides to pair with the casserole?
While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with sides like:
- A fresh side salad with lime dressing
- A bowl of guacamole or salsa paired with tortilla chips
- Mexican rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative
10. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly heated.
A Hearty, Flavorful Weeknight Meal
This Ground Beef Taco Casserole is everything you need in a weeknight dinner—easy to prepare, delicious, and satisfying. With its blend of seasoned beef, beans, and fresh taco toppings, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy. The recipe’s versatility and the ability to stretch ingredients make it a perfect choice for families or anyone looking for a quick and filling dish.
Whether you serve it as a traditional casserole, over fresh greens, or with tortilla chips, this taco casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, with its impressive nutritional profile, you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones.
Give this recipe a try and elevate your next weeknight dinner with a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that everyone will rave about!
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