Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, gooey Mexican blend cheese, and crispy tortilla layers. This crowd-pleasing casserole is ready in about 30 minutes and is perfect for picky eaters.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (28g)
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 10oz bag tortilla chips (plain or lightly salted)
- Optional: 1 can black beans (drained)
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- Optional: 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Crush tortilla chips into bite-sized pieces (not dust) and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
- Add taco seasoning and water to the beef. Simmer for 2 minutes until liquid reduces and beef is coated. Remove from heat.
- Layer 1/3 of crushed chips on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add half of the seasoned beef, then half of the shredded cheese.
- Break flour tortillas into large pieces and layer over the cheese.
- Add remaining beef and cheese.
- Top with remaining crushed tortilla chips.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and top is golden brown. Broil for 2 minutes if needed for extra crispness.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set.
Notes
Use block cheese and shred it yourself for better melting. Ensure beef is well-drained to prevent a soggy casserole. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it slice cleanly. Do not freeze as the texture of tortillas and cheese will suffer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: taco casserole, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole, family friendly meals, 30 minute meals