Cheesy Taco Casserole: A Hearty Twist on Taco Night
This Cheesy Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, combining all the bold flavors of traditional tacos in a hearty, oven-baked form. With layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, crunchy tortilla chips, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a taco-inspired meal with a twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Taco Night, Simplified: All the delicious elements of tacos—tender meat, spices, cheese, and toppings—are baked into one easy-to-serve dish.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs, whether you prefer ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian option like lentils or quinoa.
- Family-Friendly: The layers of gooey cheese and savory beef make it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz.) taco seasoning
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups biscuit mix (Bisquick)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded or chopped lettuce
- 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Black olives (sliced, optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 400º F (200º C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Layer
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Stir in the biscuit mix, salt, and pepper. Set the mixture aside.
3. Cook the Beef
Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then cook it in a skillet until browned. Drain any excess fat, and mix in the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cooked beef evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the biscuit mix over the beef, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the biscuit layer is golden brown.
6. Add the Toppings
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, spread sour cream over the biscuit layer. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sliced black olives (optional). Finish by sprinkling cheddar cheese generously on top.
7. Serve
Cut into squares and serve hot, enjoying the comforting layers of taco-inspired flavors.
Tips for Success
- Customizable: Switch up the meat—use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian filling like quinoa or lentils.
- Extra Flavor: Add some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Top it Off: Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
This Cheesy Taco Casserole is the ultimate taco experience without the fuss, and the biscuit layer provides a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Ready to bring taco night to the next level? Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!