Cheesy Taco Casserole Recipe

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Here’s a fully detailed version of your Cheesy Taco Casserole Recipe, including cooking tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions.

A simple, budget-friendly, and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep!

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor, but leaner works too)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tbsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper)
  • 1 packet Spanish rice mix (Knorr, Rice-A-Roni, or homemade)
  • ½ can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) (mild, original, or hot, based on spice preference)
  • 1 can refried beans (regular or black bean refried beans)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
  • ½ cup water (to mix with taco seasoning)

Optional Toppings & Garnishes:

  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced avocado
  • Salsa or hot sauce
  • Sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of oil.
  3. Spread the entire can of refried beans evenly across the bottom of the dish. (Tip: Warm the beans slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop to make spreading easier.)
  4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beans. This will create a delicious cheesy layer at the bottom.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned (about 6-8 minutes).
  3. Drain excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked meat.
  5. Pour in ½ cup of water and stir well. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is fully absorbed.

Step 3: Prepare the Spanish Rice

  1. Cook Spanish rice according to the package instructions.
  • Typically, this involves simmering the rice in water with seasoning for 15-20 minutes.
  • If making homemade, cook 1 cup of white rice with 1 ½ cups broth, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Combine & Assemble

  1. Once the rice is fully cooked, mix it into the seasoned beef.
  2. Stir in ½ can of drained Rotel for an extra flavor kick.
  3. Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly over the refried beans and cheese layer.
  4. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

  1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
  2. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Add any desired toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños.
  4. Serve warm with tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or a side of guacamole.

Cooking Tips & Substitutions

✔ Want more spice? Use the HOT variety of Rotel or add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the beef.

✔ No refried beans? Substitute with black beans or pinto beans (mashed for a smoother texture).

✔ Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free taco seasoning and a homemade Spanish rice mix without flour-based thickeners.

✔ Cheese Variations: Try Pepper Jack for extra heat or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooier texture.

✔ Make it Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Q&A Section

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Absolutely! Bake first, let cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Q: How do I make this dish healthier?

A: Use ground turkey or chicken, reduce the cheese, or replace refried beans with mashed black beans.

Q: What sides pair well with this casserole?

A: Great options include:

  • Tortilla chips & salsa
  • A fresh salad with avocado
  • Corn on the cob or elote (Mexican street corn)
  • Guacamole and lime wedges

Benefits of This Recipe

💰 Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients that are easy to find.

⏳ Quick & Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights, with minimal prep time.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!

🥘 Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time for quick meals throughout the week.

🌮 Customizable – Easily adaptable to different diets and spice levels.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Taco Casserole is a hearty, delicious, and comforting dish that’s great for any occasion. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing it to a gathering, this dish will definitely be a hit!

Let me know if you’d like any more tweaks or variations! 😊

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