Layered Mexican Beef Casserole

This layered taco bake transforms ordinary taco night into a comforting casserole that brings together all the flavors my family craves. I created this recipe when I needed something that could feed a crowd without keeping me in the kitchen all evening.

This recipe became our Thursday night tradition after my son's soccer practice. The kids would come home hungry and impatient, but this dish was substantial enough to satisfy even teenage appetites while being simple enough for weeknight cooking.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base, choose 80/20 for best flavor
• Taco seasoning packet: Saves time but you can make your own blend for controlled sodium
• Refried beans: Creates a creamy foundation that holds everything together
• Salsa: Adds moisture and flavor without extra prep work
• Sour cream: Creates creamy pockets throughout the casserole
• Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully and creates that essential stretchy cheese pull
• Flour tortillas: Act as the pasta layers in this Mexican-inspired lasagna
• Black olives: Add a briny contrast to the rich flavors
• Green onions: Provide fresh crunch and color as garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Make sure to get the corners where food tends to stick most.

Brown the Beef:

Place ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off excess fat using a colander or by tilting the pan and removing with a spoon.

Season the Meat:

Return drained beef to skillet and sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over meat. Pour in water and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until mixture thickens and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Create the Base Layer:

Spread refried beans across the bottom of your prepared baking dish using the back of a spoon to create an even layer. This acts as a sturdy foundation for your casserole.

Begin Building Layers:

Arrange flour tortillas over the bean layer trimming as needed to fit the dish. It's okay if they slightly overlap or if there are small gaps.

Add First Filling Layer:

Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over tortillas followed by half the salsa, dollops of sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.

Complete the Layers:

Place another layer of tortillas then add remaining beef, salsa, and finish with a generous layer of cheese covering the entire top surface.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the layers to heat through without burning the cheese. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are lightly browned.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before adding black olives and chopped green onions. This resting period makes it easier to slice into neat portions.

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The refried beans are truly the secret hero of this recipe. I discovered their importance by accident when I was low on meat one night. Adding them created such a rich creamy texture that I permanently incorporated them as the foundation layer rather than just a filling.

Make Ahead Tips

This casserole can be completely assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off and add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Customization Options

This taco bake welcomes creative variations. Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Vegetarians can substitute the meat with sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn. You can also add a layer of drained canned corn or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness. Additional toppings served at the table like fresh diced tomatoes, avocado chunks, shredded lettuce, and hot sauce allow everyone to customize their portion. For a complete fiesta, consider serving with Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice.

Common Problems Solved

If your casserole seems too dry, add another 1/4 cup of salsa or a few tablespoons of taco sauce to the layers. Conversely, if it seems too wet, use slightly less salsa or drain it before adding. For maximum flavor make sure to properly season each layer rather than just relying on the taco meat for all the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since you'll be starting with cold ingredients.

→ What can I substitute for the refried beans?

Black beans or pinto beans (whole or mashed) work well as alternatives. For a lighter version, you could use a layer of seasoned rice or even roasted vegetables.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Already-baked portions freeze well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas can be substituted for a different flavor and texture. They tend to soften more during baking, creating a more casserole-like consistency. For best results with corn tortillas, lightly toast them first to prevent them from becoming too soggy.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or grilled vegetables. For serving, consider setting out additional toppings like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, or additional sour cream.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitute, or use 2 cups of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn mixed with the taco seasoning. Black beans can also be used as a hearty meat alternative.