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Cheesy Beef Taco Casserole with Beans

A hearty and comforting casserole that combines taco flavors with layers of tortilla chips, seasoned beef, beans, and melted cheese, perfect for sharing.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mexican
Calories: 811
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil For cooking the beef and onion
  • 1 medium onion, diced To add flavor to the casserole
  • 2 lbs ground beef Choose 85% lean for flavor
  • 1 oz taco seasoning (1 packet) To season the meat
  • 1.5 Tbsp chili powder For added spice
  • 2 tsp dried oregano To enhance flavor
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste For richness
  • 1/4 cup water To mix with seasonings
  • 15 oz tomato sauce To create the filling
  • 8 oz minced green chiles (2 cans), fire roasted For flavor and heat
  • 30 oz pink or pinto beans (2 cans), rinsed and drained For texture and protein
  • Kosher salt and pepper To taste
  • 4 cups tortilla chips, broken into pieces Use bite-size chips for best texture
  • 8 oz Mexican cheese blend, shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack mix works well
Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream For serving
  • Pickled jalapeños For serving
  • Diced tomatoes For serving
  • Shredded romaine lettuce For serving
  • Diced avocado For serving
  • Sliced scallions For serving
  • Minced cilantro For serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about five minutes, until it softens and turns golden.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned. Drain off the fat and return the skillet to the stove.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, oregano, tomato paste, and water. Cook for two minutes, ensuring the seasonings coat the meat.
  2. Add the tomato sauce, fire-roasted green chiles, and rinsed, drained beans. Cook for five minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Spread the tortilla chips across the bottom of the prepared dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the chips in an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
  4. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts and the casserole bubbles. Serve immediately with toppings.

Notes

Drain the beef well to avoid sogginess. Use bite-size chips to give the casserole a good texture. Set out fresh toppings for customization. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.