Print

How to Make a 30-Minute Cheesy Taco Casserole [Step-by-Step Guide]

Print Recipe

This 30 Minute Taco Casserole skips extra fat by using brown rice and fat-free beans, but the flavor stays bold enough to satisfy any taco fan. It’s quick to throw together, delivers a hearty bite, and honestly, no one at my table guessed it was the healthier option (which says a lot in my house).

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups brown or white rice, cooked
  • 1 lb ground beef, 93% lean
  • 1.25 oz taco seasoning, or 2 ½ TB
  • 15-ounce refried beans, fat-free
  • 1 ½ cup sharp cheddar, low fat
  • 1 cup salsa, your favorite
  • 1 can black olives, sliced and drained, 2 1/3 oz
  • ⅔ cups corn chips, optional
  • Optional Garnishes: chopped green onions, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, or salsa

Instructions

  • In a large nonstick skillet, add ground beef, taco seasoning, and 3 TB water. Stir together to incorporate. Brown until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In an 8×8 baking dish, layer cooked rice on the bottom of dish. In a microwavable bowl, combine refried beans and salsa. Microwave until hot, about 2 minutes. Stir and layer mixture over the rice.
  • Layer browned beef mixture over the beans/salsa. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the beef. Follow with all the chips, if using them, and top with remaining cheese and black olives. Bake 10 minutes at 350F or just until cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with green onions, avocados, or tomatoes. Serve warm.

Notes

  • This dish can be lightened up even more by using just 1 cup of low-fat cheese and omitting the corn chips.
  • When browning your ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and mixes well with the taco seasoning.
  • Don’t skip the step of heating up the refried beans and salsa together. This not only makes the beans easier to spread but also allows the flavors to meld together.
  • Use a good quality, flavorful salsa. This is a key ingredient that adds a lot of flavor to the casserole.

Find it online: https://thefrugalones.com/how-to-make-a-30-minute-cheesy-taco-casserole-step-by-step-guide/