Della'S Taco Casserole
A hearty taco casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheeses, and tortillas, perfect for a comforting family meal with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown hamburger and diced onion over medium heat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drain excess fat.
- Add pinto beans, cream of mushroom soup, taco seasoning mix, and one can of water.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Layer the meat mixture with tortillas, grated Cheddar cheese, and grated Mozzarella cheese in a 2-quart casserole dish, repeating layers as desired.
- Top with additional grated cheeses.
- Bake until casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger for a leaner option. If you prefer a creamier texture, try using cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with additional beans or lentils, and browse more Mexican recipes for additional inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes for a burst of color. It pairs beautifully with Porquitos Guacamole on the side. For a complete meal, consider a simple green salad or Mexican-style rice to complement the flavors. For an extra kick, serve with hot sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover taco casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Della'S Taco Casserole contains roughly 718 calories, with 31g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), calcium (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2504mg per serving (109% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it in the dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute. Alternatively, consider layering with tortilla chips for a crunchy texture or even using pre-made polenta slices for a unique twist.
Can I freeze the taco casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the taco casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).