Easy and Delicious Taco Casserole Recipe

Looking for a quick and satisfying meal? This taco casserole recipe is your answer! With only 20 minutes of prep time and another 20 minutes in the oven, you can whip up a family-friendly dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ cup diced white onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup taco sauce (recommended: Frontera)
• 1 ½ tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, undrained
• 12 hard taco shells, broken into small pieces
• 2 cups Mexican cheese blend (or your favorite shredded cheese)
• Toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, black olives, Mexican crema or sour cream, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro

How to Make Taco Casserole

Creating a delicious taco casserole is simple! Just follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until no pink remains, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
3. Add the green bell pepper, taco sauce, taco seasoning, and diced green chiles. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Layer half of the broken taco shells in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
5. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the taco shells.
6. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the meat.
7. Repeat the layers: taco shells, meat, and cheese.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve with your favorite taco toppings!

Tips for Meal Prep

• Make Ahead: Prepare the meat mixture in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to remove any avocado slices before storing.

Freezing Instructions

Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For convenience, use a disposable foil dish when freezing.

Enjoy this hearty Taco Casserole for your next family dinner or potluck, and watch it quickly disappear!