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A delicious and cheesy Taco Casserole is displayed as a featured image for the recipe.

Taco Casserole Ultimate Easy

This Taco Casserole is a simple, customizable, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines the flavors of tacos in an easy-to-assemble casserole, making it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Enjoy a comforting and delicious dish that's ready in under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 6-8 ounces tortilla chips, crushed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, green onions, avocado, jalapenos, cilantro

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water according to the package directions. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips.
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chips.
  7. Add the seasoned meat.
  8. Top with the shredded cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before topping with your favorite toppings.
  11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Don't overbake the casserole to prevent it from drying out. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth cream cheese layer. Customize your toppings to your liking. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or hot salsa. Add some veggies like diced bell peppers or corn to the meat mixture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.