Beverly Turner'S Famous Taco Casserole
A hearty taco casserole layered with ground beef, Doritos, cheeses, and flavorful soups, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Mix the canned chicken soup, mushroom soup, Carnation milk, and Ro-Tel tomatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat until hot.
- Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray (Pam).
- Layer half of the Doritos on the bottom of the dish.
- Add half of the cooked beef mixture, chopped onions, and grated cheese on top of the Doritos.
- Pour half of the heated soup mixture over the layers.
- Repeat the layers with remaining Doritos, beef mixture, onions, cheese, and soup mixture.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture over the top layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and the cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding some jalapeños or using spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, try using black beans and corn instead of meat. This dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free Doritos.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this taco casserole with a side of fresh guacamole and sour cream for added creaminess. A simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette complements the flavors well. This dish pairs beautifully with T.G.I.F. Casserole for a fun Mexican-themed meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with Spanish rice or refried beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and the cheese is melted again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beverly Turner'S Famous Taco Casserole contains roughly 394 calories, with 17g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1287mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it as directed but skip the baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze the taco casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I substitute for the canned soups?
If you prefer homemade alternatives, you can use a homemade cream of chicken and a cream of mushroom soup. Blend cooked chicken with cream and seasonings for the chicken soup, and sauté mushrooms with cream for the mushroom soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).