Cheesy Taco Casserole

You know what’s better than taco night? We’ll tell you. It’s taco night without all the hassle of assembling things individually. Crumbly taco shells? Nah, we’re good. Taco meat that gets cold before your third taco?? (Because obviously, you have to have at least three, that’s just what happens.) Uh, no. We took all the components of our favorite night of the week, taco night, and put everything into hearty casserole form. You’re welcome!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our Cheesy Taco Casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into an easy-to-make dish that feeds a crowd. Forget about messy shells or cold fillings; this casserole has everything you love about tacos in every spoonful.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Non-stick spray
• Skillet
• Oven

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 3/4 cups biscuit mix or Bisquick
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups lettuce, chopped or shredded
• 1 cup tomato, finely chopped
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Black olives, sliced, optional
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, beat eggs and milk together until combined. Stir in the biscuit mix, and add salt and pepper if desired. Set aside.
3. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat and stir in the taco seasoning.
4. Place the seasoned beef in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
5. Spread the biscuit mixture evenly over the beef layer.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the biscuit layer is golden brown, about 22-25 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Spread sour cream over the top of the biscuit layer.
8. Top with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and olives if using, then sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

For a beautifully golden biscuit topping, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Don’t skip draining the fat from the beef, as excess grease can make the casserole soggy.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to customize your toppings! Add jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add some corn for extra sweetness.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This casserole is rich in protein from the beef and cheese and provides a balanced meal with the addition of fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes. Keep an eye on portion sizes to manage calorie intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the beef and biscuit layers, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake and add toppings.
• Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground chicken or turkey are great alternatives for a lighter version.
• How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

Our Cheesy Taco Casserole is a fun and convenient way to enjoy taco flavors without the fuss. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and we’re sure it’ll become a household favorite. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!