Ground Beef Taco Casserole

Like all the best casseroles, this one is a crowd-pleaser that comes with the promise of ease and, best of all, some serious versatility. There’s really no limit to all the ways you can serve it up. You can never go wrong with keeping it as a classic casserole, although it’s also an amazing way to make a warm dinner salad by topping off a bowl of greens. And if you dream of a dinner centered around tortilla chips, this is the best way to make it a meal. -the kitchen

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Ground Beef Taco Casserole

Yield: 4-6

Author: The Kitchn

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 35 Min

This recipe is everything you love about classic ground beef tacos baked into an easy casserole, then topped with lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheddar.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for the baking dish
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 15 ounces tomato salsa
• 1 ½ cups shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350℉. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with oil; set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until simmering. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate, then drain any fat from the skillet.
3. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, and heat until shimmering. Add the onion, pepper, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes. Return the beef to the pan and stir in the beans. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the salsa and 3/4 cup of the cheese. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup cheese.
5. Bake until the cheese is melted and casserole is heated through, about 20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Top with lettuce and tomato, and serve with Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

https://www.anthologyofcrumbs.com/ground-beef-taco-casserole

dinner, mains, taco, casserole, tacos, ground, beef

Mains, Meat