Taco Dinner
A flavorful and hearty taco casserole combining seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and spicy chilies, perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef.
- Add taco seasoning, refried beans, picante sauce, and chilies to the skillet.
- Stir ingredients well and heat through.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch dish.
- Layer with sour cream, then sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 325°F for approximately 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with lettuce, tomatoes, corn chips, or flour tortillas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap the refried beans for black beans for added fiber. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning. Remember to drain excess grease from the beef to keep the dish from being too oily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taco dinner hot, garnished with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and corn chips for a satisfying crunch. Flour tortillas can be offered on the side for wrapping. This meal pairs beautifully with a side of homemade guacamole or a fresh salad, like Martha'S Taco Salad, to complete the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Dinner contains roughly 478 calories, with 24g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2380mg per serving (103% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the mild Cheddar cheese with other types like pepper jack for a spicier flavor or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a more complex taste.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this taco dinner vegetarian, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also add more beans like black beans or pinto beans to increase protein content.
What can I serve this dish with?
In addition to lettuce and tomatoes, consider serving this taco dinner with sides like Mexican rice or a zesty corn salad. It also goes well with various dips like salsa or queso, making it a complete and festive meal.
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).