Description

Craving a hearty, cheesy dish that brings all the bold flavors of tacos into one easy bake? What if you could whip up a crowd-pleasing casserole with zesty beef, creamy soups, and crunchy tortilla chips in under an hour? Say hello to Taco Casserole! This comforting dish layers seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, green chilis, and sharp cheddar over tortilla chips, baked to golden, bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

Ground Beef (1½ pounds): Provides a hearty, protein-packed base with rich flavor.
Medium Onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (10½ oz, 1 can): Creates a creamy, savory layer that binds the casserole.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (10½ oz, 1 can): Enhances the creaminess with a complementary flavor.
Red Enchilada Sauce (10 oz, mild): Brings a tangy, mildly spicy Tex-Mex flavor.
Canned Green Chilis (4 oz, diced): Add a mild heat and subtle smokiness.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (16 oz, shredded): Melts into a gooey, flavorful topping.
Tortilla Chips (12 oz, about 1 bag): Provide a crunchy base and texture contrast.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Onion: Swap with 1 tsp onion powder or ½ cup diced shallots for a milder flavor.
Cream of Mushroom/Chicken Soup: Replace with cream of celery, cream of cheddar, or a homemade white sauce (2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1 cup milk, cooked until thick).
Enchilada Sauce: Use green enchilada sauce, salsa, or taco sauce; adjust for spice preference (hot or medium).
Green Chilis: Substitute with diced jalapeños (for heat) or omit for a milder dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend; vegan cheese works for dairy-free.
Tortilla Chips: Swap with corn tortillas (cut into strips and baked) or crushed Doritos for extra flavor.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based meat, vegan cream soups (e.g., mushroom or celery), vegan enchilada sauce, and vegan cheese.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips, gluten-free cream soups, and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Tip: Use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking, and ensure the oven is fully preheated.
Cook the Beef and Onion:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1½ pounds ground beef with 1 diced medium onion, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until fully cooked and no pink remains, about 7–10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat using a colander or paper towels to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Tip: Cook until the onions are soft and translucent for maximum flavor, and season lightly with salt if desired.
Make the Beef Mixture:
- Return the beef and onion to the skillet and stir in 10½ oz cream of mushroom soup, 10½ oz cream of chicken soup, 10 oz mild red enchilada sauce, and 4 oz canned green chilis.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Tip: Stir gently to blend the soups and sauce evenly, and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the 12 oz tortilla chips (broken into large pieces, about 2–3 inches) in an even layer over the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Avoid crushing into tiny pieces to maintain texture.
- Pour half of the beef mixture over the chips, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Add another layer of the remaining tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the beef mixture, smoothing the top.
- Tip: Layer chips loosely to allow sauce to seep through, and distribute the beef mixture evenly for consistent flavor.
Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle 16 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Tip: Spread cheese to the edges for a fully cheesy top, and check that the center is hot before broiling.
Broil for a Golden Finish:
- Switch the oven to broil and broil the casserole for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
- Watch closely to avoid burning, and rotate the dish if needed for even browning.
- Tip: Keep the casserole on the middle rack during broiling to control browning, and remove immediately once golden.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Spoon or slice into 6–8 portions, serving with optional garnishes like sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, or cilantro.
- Tip: Use a large spoon or spatula to capture all layers, and serve warm for the best texture.