Ultimate Taco Casserole – Easy, Hearty, and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

This Taco Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, combining all your favorite Mexican flavors in a delicious, easy-to-make dish. The rich and savory ground beef, mixed with taco seasoning, pairs perfectly with refried beans and sour cream, creating a creamy base. Topped with gooey cheddar cheese and crunchy Doritos or Fritos, this casserole has the perfect balance of textures. It’s also incredibly versatile, so feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients. Whether you prepare it ahead of time or bake it fresh, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  
  

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
  
  

• 1 oz taco seasoning (equivalent to 2 tbsp)
  
  

• 16 oz refried beans
  
  

• ¾ cup sour cream (let it come to room temperature)
  
  

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  
  

• ¼ cup black olives, sliced
  
  

• ¾ cup crunchy toppings (Doritos, Fritos, or tortilla chips)
  
  

• Garnishes: green onions, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes (optional)
  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
   

2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onions over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.
   
   

3. Add taco seasoning and ¾ cup water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
   
   

4. Spread refried beans evenly in a lightly greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
   
   

5. Top the beans with sour cream, followed by the cooked ground beef and onions.
   
   

6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
   
   

7. Add sliced black olives and crunchy toppings. Bake for an additional 8 minutes.
   
   

8. Garnish with optional toppings like green onions, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes before serving.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 547 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 24g
  
  

• Protein: 28g
  
  

• Fat: 38g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 18g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 108mg
  
  

• Sodium: 1273mg
  
  

• Potassium: 359mg
  
  

• Fiber: 5g
  
  

• Sugar: 5g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 1175 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 4.9mg
  
  

• Calcium: 374mg
  
  

• Iron: 3.2mg