Taco Casserole I
A hearty and cheesy taco casserole layered with seasoned beef, creamy cottage cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips, perfect for a flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef, then drain off excess fat.
- Remove from heat; add garlic powder, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce to the beef.
- Mix well and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese; set aside.
- Place half the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish coated with nonstick spray.
- Add enough meat mixture to cover the chips, then cover the meat with half the sour cream mixture.
- Sprinkle with half the grated Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining chips, meat mixture, sour cream mixture, and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until cheese melts and casserole is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in black beans or corn with the meat mixture. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning. You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper taste. For a healthier option, replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt and the cottage cheese with ricotta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taco casserole with a fresh side salad or some guacamole for a delightful meal. It also pairs beautifully with Gwen'S Green Enchiladas for a Mexican-themed dinner. Consider adding your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, or cilantro when serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover taco casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Casserole I contains roughly 581 calories, with 30g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 752mg per serving (33% 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 taco casserole in advance. Assemble all the layers, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if it goes in cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the taco casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What can I serve with taco casserole?
Taco casserole pairs well with a variety of sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a corn salad. You can also serve it with tortilla chips and salsa for a crunchy contrast. For a lighter option, a simple green salad works great too.
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).