I first discovered this recipe when looking for a way to use up leftover taco ingredients. Tacos are always a hit in my house, but I wanted to try something different. By turning the ingredients into a casserole, I found a new family favorite. This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also very versatile. You can easily adjust the toppings and seasonings to suit your personal preferences, making it a flexible addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning
4 eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
1 3/4 cups biscuit mix or Bisquick
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups lettuce, chopped or shredded
1 cup tomato, finely chopped
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Black olives, sliced (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to bake the casserole evenly.
Grease the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This step prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish, making it easier to serve and clean up.
Step 2: Mix the Base
Whisk Eggs and Milk:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs and 3/4 cup of whole milk until fully combined. This mixture forms the base of the biscuit layer.
Add Biscuit Mix:
Stir in 1 3/4 cups of biscuit mix along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated, forming a smooth batter.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Brown the Beef:
Season 2 pounds of ground beef with a bit of salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Drain Excess Fat:
After the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
Add Taco Seasoning:
Stir in the packet of taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef evenly with the flavorful spices. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the Beef:
Spread the seasoned beef in an even layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer forms the hearty base of the casserole.
Add Biscuit Mixture:
Gently pour the biscuit mixture over the beef layer, spreading it out evenly to cover all the beef. This will create a fluffy, golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 22-25 minutes, or until the biscuit layer turns a lovely golden brown. Check by inserting a toothpick into the biscuit layer; it should come out clean when done.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Spread Sour Cream:
Once the casserole is baked and slightly cooled, spread 1/2 cup of sour cream over the top of the biscuit layer. This adds a creamy tang that balances the spicy taco seasoning.
Add Fresh Toppings:
Top with 2 cups of chopped or shredded lettuce, 1 cup of finely chopped tomatoes, and sliced black olives if using. These fresh ingredients add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
Sprinkle Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a rich, gooey layer to the casserole.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve Hot:
Serve the Cheesy Taco Casserole hot, letting each bite bring together the crispness of the fresh toppings, the creaminess of the sour cream, and the heartiness of the seasoned beef and biscuit base.
Optional Garnishes:
For added flavor, consider garnishing with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, a dollop of guacamole, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option:
Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mixture of beans and vegetables such as black beans, corn, and bell peppers.
Different Meats:
Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Spicy Kick:
Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra spicy kick.
Cheese Variations:
Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend for varied flavors.
Healthier Base:
Use a whole wheat biscuit mix or make your own from scratch with whole grain flour for a healthier alternative.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Casserole is a delightful, flavorful dish that combines the best elements of tacos and casseroles into one satisfying meal. The seasoned beef, fluffy biscuit layer, and fresh, crunchy toppings create a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a great addition to any home cook’s repertoire. The straightforward instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results.
Next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, give this Cheesy Taco Casserole a try. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. Enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors and the joy of sharing this wonderful dish with your loved ones!