Silverado Taco Casserole
A hearty taco casserole combining seasoned ground beef, crunchy taco shells, melted cheese, and fresh salsa, perfect for family dinners and Mexican-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a lightly greased 1 1/2-quart casserole, place half of the broken taco shells.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef until crumbled; drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning mix and water to the skillet.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the onion and tomato sauce.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the broken taco shells in the casserole.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese over the meat.
- Place the remaining taco shells over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve with salsa sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding black beans or corn to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're short on time, use pre-made taco seasoning. This casserole can also be spiced up with jalapeños or diced green chilies for an extra kick, similar to what you might find in Tex-Mex Tailgater'S Chili.
Serving Suggestions
This Silverado Taco Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal. Serve with a side of guacamole and sour cream for added creaminess. For a fun twist, try it alongside Dorito Pie or Hamburger Taco Casserole to create a taco-themed dinner night.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Silverado Taco Casserole contains roughly 986 calories, with 65g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (129% of the Daily Value), calcium (105% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
You can substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile. Both options will melt well and complement the spices in the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like tempeh or crumbled tofu. Season them with taco seasoning to maintain the dish's flavor while keeping it vegetarian.
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).