This hearty taco casserole is everything you love about taco night baked into one comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
Layers of seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, creamy sour cream, and melty cheddar cheese come together to create a bold, satisfying flavor in every bite.
It’s the perfect solution when you want something easy, filling, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at the dinner table.
Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a casual gathering, this casserole delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s also incredibly flexible—swap in ground turkey, lighten it up with reduced-fat ingredients, or customize the toppings to suit your taste.
Serve it alongside chips, salsa, or a crisp green salad for a complete, no-fuss meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, drained
- 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh tomato
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in salsa, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add chili beans and cook until heated through.
- Spread crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the chips, spreading evenly.
- Layer sour cream over the beef mixture, then sprinkle with olives, green onions, and chopped tomatoes.
- Top evenly with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve and enjoy.
Chefs Notes
- For extra flavor, add a packet of taco seasoning while cooking the beef.
- Ground turkey works as a great lighter substitute for beef.
- Use low-fat sour cream and cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
- Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Layer in corn or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.