Ground Beef Taco Casserole

(from castro15’s recipe box)

Categories: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for the baking dish
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 15 ounces tomato salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving

Directions

  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350℉. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil; set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate, then drain any fat from the skillet.

  3. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, and heat until shimmering. Add the onion, pepper, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes. Return the beef to the pan and stir in the beans. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste, and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.

  4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the salsa and 3/4 cup of the cheese. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup cheese.

  5. Bake until the cheese is melted and casserole is heated through, about 20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Top with lettuce and tomato, and serve with Greek yogurt or sour cream.

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