Taco Bake Casserole (Printable Version)
Hearty, cheesy, and packed with Fritos and savory beef—this baked favorite is a go-to for quick family dinners.
# What You'll Need:
→ Casserole Components
01 -
3/4 cup salsa
02 -
8 ounces cream cheese
03 -
3 cups tortilla or Fritos corn chips
04 -
2 cups cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, split up
05 -
1 packet taco seasoning
06 -
1 pound ground beef
→ Fresh Toppings
07 -
1 head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
08 -
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Grab it out of the oven, then throw on the rest of your cheese, plus the lettuce and tomatoes. Get it on plates while it’s nice and hot.
02 -
Pop it in that hot oven for about 15 minutes so the cheese melts and gets a little bubbly.
03 -
Scatter about one and a half cups of cheese all over your assembled layers.
04 -
Push those crushed chips in the bottom of the greased dish first, then spoon over the beef mixture, and finish with your salsa-cream cheese mix on top.
05 -
Soften your cream cheese in the microwave for half a minute or so. Stir in bowl with salsa till it’s creamy and smooth.
06 -
Rub a little oil on the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole pan.
07 -
Pour the taco seasoning in with the beef, splash in the water it calls for on the pack. Give it all a good stir.
08 -
Brown your ground beef in a cast iron skillet, breaking it up as you go, ‘til you see no more pink.
09 -
Toss your chips into a plastic bag and gently break them down with a rolling pin.
10 -
Chop those tomatoes and slice up your lettuce. Set aside so they're ready to toss on top.
11 -
Fire up the oven to 350°F (177°C) and wait for it to get good and hot.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Want more heat? Go for spicy salsa or toss on jalapeño slices before baking.