We have all been there. It is 5:00 PM on a Tuesday. You are staring into the refrigerator. You see a package of ground beef thawing on the shelf. You need a plan, and you need it fast.
You start searching for Easy Ground Beef Recipes. You want something that is filling. It needs to be flavorful. Most importantly, it has to be simple enough to pull together without destroying your kitchen.
That is exactly where this Taco Lasagna comes in to save the day. It is the ultimate comfort food mashup. Think of it as a giant, sliceable taco that you bake in a casserole dish.
This dish is one of those Quick Dinner Ideas that feels like a cheat code. It tastes like you spent hours simmering a complex sauce. In reality? You are just opening a few cans and browning some meat.
It fits perfectly into the category of Lazy Dinners that we all secretly love. There is no shame in wanting a hearty meal that requires minimal effort. This recipe delivers big flavor with very little fuss.
If you are a fan of Hamburger Casserole Recipes, this one is going to jump to the top of your list. It is cheesy, savory, and packed with textures that your whole family will enjoy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Finding reliable Easy Ground Beef Recipes can be a challenge. Some are too dry. Others are too bland. This recipe hits the sweet spot every single time.
First off, it is incredibly budget-friendly. You are using pantry staples like canned beans, corn, and dried spices. It stretches two pounds of beef into a massive meal that can feed a hungry crowd.
Another reason to love this is the texture. We use corn tortillas instead of pasta or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas hold up beautifully in the oven. They soften just enough to become tender but do not turn into mush.
This dish is also one of the most customizable Hamburger Casserole Recipes out there. You can swap the beans. You can adjust the spice level. You can add extra veggies if you are trying to be healthy.
It is also fantastic for meal prep. Like many Quick Dinner Ideas, it actually tastes better the next day. The flavors have time to meld together in the fridge. This makes it perfect for lunch leftovers.
Finally, it is just pure comfort. There is something about melted cheese and spiced beef that makes everything better. It is the kind of meal that makes your house smell amazing while it bakes.
Ingredients
To make one of the best Easy Ground Beef Recipes, you need the right building blocks. Here is what you will need to grab from the store.
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (1 oz.) packets taco seasoning
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (10 oz.) cans Rotel, drained
- 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 (16 oz.) can vegetarian refried beans
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups (8 oz.) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups (8 oz.) cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking. This process is straightforward. It is exactly what you want when looking for Easy Ground Beef Recipes.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by grabbing a large Dutch oven or a deep skillet. Place it over medium-high heat. Add your 2 pounds of ground beef to the pot.
Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want it to brown evenly. Cook it until there is no pink left. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside in a bowl. Drain the excess fat from the pot. Nobody wants a greasy casserole.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add a splash of oil to the same pot if it is too dry. Toss in your diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent. This builds the flavor base.
Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté this for just another 30 seconds. You want to smell the garlic, but you do not want to burn it. Burnt garlic can ruin Quick Dinner Ideas instantly.
Step 3: Create the Meat Sauce
Add your cooked beef back into the pan with the onions and garlic. Now comes the flavor. Sprinkle in the two packets of taco seasoning.
Stir in the tomato paste. Add water according to the instructions on your taco seasoning packets. Usually, this is about 3/4 cup per packet, but check the label.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook until the water has reduced and the sauce thickens up. This ensures your casserole won’t be watery.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Now it is time to bulk up the filling. Add the drained Rotel, drained corn, and drained black beans to the pot. Stir everything together well.
Add the tablespoon of chili powder for an extra kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes.
You want the flavors to marry and the liquid to reduce slightly. Do a quick taste test here. Adjust the salt or spice if needed. Easy Ground Beef Recipes should always be tasted as you go.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese
While the meat simmers, combine your cheeses. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded Monterey Jack and shredded cheddar cheese.
Mixing them beforehand ensures you get an even distribution of flavor in every bite. Set this aside for the assembly phase.
Step 6: Begin the Assembly
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 casserole dish. You are about to build the foundation of one of the best Hamburger Casserole Recipes you have ever made.
Line the bottom of the dish with 6 corn tortillas. You will need to overlap them slightly to cover the entire surface area. This acts as your bottom “noodle” layer.
Step 7: Layer the Fillings
Spread half of the vegetarian refried beans gently over the tortillas. The back of a spoon works best for this. It acts as a glue for the layers.
Next, spoon half of your beef and veggie mixture over the beans. Spread it out evenly so every corner gets some meat.
Top this layer with half of your mixed cheese. This is the glue that holds the top layers to the bottom layers.
Step 8: Repeat and Bake
Repeat the process one more time. Lay down the remaining 6 tortillas. Spread the remaining refried beans on top of them.
Add the rest of the meat mixture. Finally, top with the remaining cheese. It should look glorious and full.
Place the dish in the oven uncovered. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it stand for 10 minutes. This is a crucial step for all Easy Ground Beef Recipes of this style.
If you cut into it immediately, it might slide apart. Letting it rest allows the layers to set. Garnish with your favorites and serve warm.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about Lazy Dinners is the leftovers. This casserole stores beautifully. In fact, the flavors often deepen after a night in the fridge.
To store it, let the casserole cool completely to room temperature. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer individual slices to airtight containers.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat slices in the microwave for 2 minutes.
You can also reheat the whole pan in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then foil.
It stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It is a meal prep dream come true.
Tips
Making Easy Ground Beef Recipes is simple, but a few tricks can make them perfect. Here are some tips to ensure success with this dish.
First, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in cellulose to prevent clumping. This stops it from melting smoothly. Grating it yourself makes it gooey and delicious.
Make sure you drain your canned goods well. Hamburger Casserole Recipes can get soupy if there is too much liquid. Drain the Rotel, corn, and black beans thoroughly.
We used vegetarian refried beans here. This is a great swap because they don’t contain pork lard. It gives the dish a cleaner flavor profile that many people prefer.
Don’t be afraid to customize your toppings. Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños add freshness. They cut through the richness of the cheese and meat.
If you want more heat, leave the seeds in your jalapeños. If you want it milder, stick to mild taco seasoning and mild Rotel. That is the beauty of cooking at home.
Conclusion
This Taco Lasagna proves that Easy Ground Beef Recipes do not have to be boring. It is packed with zesty flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty beef.
It checks every box for a weeknight win. It is fast. It is affordable. It is delicious. Whether you need Quick Dinner Ideas for a busy Tuesday or a comforting meal for Sunday, this delivers.
Give this recipe a try next time you are stuck on what to cook. It might just become one of your go-to Lazy Dinners. Your family will thank you, and your wallet will too.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about making this delicious casserole. We want to make sure your experience with Easy Ground Beef Recipes is flawless.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes, absolutely. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but always check the package to be sure. Ensure your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free as well.
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead?
You can, but the texture will change. Flour tortillas tend to get soft and slightly gummy in casseroles like this. Corn tortillas hold their structure much better.
Can I Swap The Meat?
Definitely. While this is one of our favorite Easy Ground Beef Recipes, ground turkey or chicken works too. The taco seasoning is strong enough to mask the difference.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
It has a mild kick. The chili powder and Rotel add some heat. If you are sensitive to spice, use mild Rotel and skip the extra chili powder.
Easy Weeknight Taco Lasagna
The ultimate comfort food mashup, this Taco Lasagna is a giant, sliceable taco baked in a casserole dish. It’s cheesy, savory, and a perfect no-fuss weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain the fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water as directed on the seasoning packet. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add the drained Rotel, corn, black beans, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes for flavors to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the lasagna in a 9×13 casserole dish. Start with a layer of 6 corn tortillas, overlapping them to cover the bottom.
- Spread half of the refried beans over the tortillas, followed by half of the beef mixture, and then half of the cheese blend.
- Repeat the layers: remaining 6 tortillas, remaining refried beans, remaining beef mixture, and top with the final layer of cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set.
Notes
For the best results, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
Make sure to drain the Rotel, corn, and black beans very well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
Serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños for a fresh finish.
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