How to Make Taco Casserole

Casseroles aren't the same old boring, soggy, hot dishes they used to be. This recipe offers both appealing taste and texture. Ortega seasonings spice up the filling, and layers of taco shells give it crunch. Makes 8 servings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup (1 small) chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup Ortega® Thick & Smooth Taco Sauce
• 1/2 cup (4-ounce can) Ortega® Diced Green Chiles
• 1/2 cup (2 1/4-ounce can) sliced ripe olives, drained, divided
• 1 package (1.25 ounces) Ortega® Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 package (12) Ortega® Taco Shells or (12) Ortega® White Corn Taco Shells, broken, divided
• 2 cups (8 ounces) Sargento® ChefStyle Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese, divided
• Chopped tomatoes (optional)
• Sliced green onions (optional)
• Groceries
• Chef's Knives
• Baking Dish
• Cheese Graters
• Chef's Knives
• Cutting Boards
• Measuring Cups
• Skillets
• Wooden Spoons
• Measuring cups
• Skillets

1. Preheat your oven to 375º F.

2. Cook beef, onion and garlic in a large saucepan until beef is browned.

3. Stir in water, taco sauce, chiles, 1/4 cup olives and seasoning mix.

4. Let this simmer over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes.

5. Lay out half of the broken shells on the bottom of a greased 12 x 8-inch baking dish.

6. Cover with half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese, then repeat with remaining taco shells, meat sauce and cheese to create layers of the different ingredients.

7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

8. Top the casserole with remaining olives, tomatoes and green onions.

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[tracysmith159]

on 5/16/2009 Great Recipe I was looking for a taco bake and the one I found had dough in it. What I wanted was more like this taco casserole, just leaving the items out my picky family won't eat. Basiclly it just meat

[trechic00]

on 3/19/2009 Try this with cheesy Doritos or corn chips instead of crushing perfectly good taco shells, plus you can use all of the bag - even the crumbs...this sounds like a dinner plan to me!

[tcady]

on 2/10/2009 this is a great taco casserole for mexican recipe night!

[Sundae]

on 3/9/2007 Tweaked it- I agree with the other comment about the meat and cheese but used 2lbs of meat.

I used 1lb of spicy sausage instead of just hamburger.

Omitted the green chili's.

Used 3/4 bag of yellow corn tortilla chips because I had it on hand. Nice and hearty though.

Used chunky salsa in place of smooth taco sauce. More texture. Probably not for little kids but my teen liked it.

Added 1/2c of sour cream over first layer of cheese. Nice flavor.

Made it for our Boy Scout banquet and got allot of compliments. The men loved it. A very hearty comfort meal. Great to freeze half for a reheat and eat meal the next week. My family will definitely have this in place of just tacos. My husband loved this recipe!

on 11/22/2005 I would suggest using at least 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef and using 4 cups of cheddar cheese (2 cups on each layer (a block of cheese = 4 cups). I would buy the block cheese and shred it myself, since there is a considerable price difference when you buy the cheese that is shredded for you. This is a mighty good recipe!