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Ground Beef Street Taco Casserole - Easy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra warmth)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, adjust for heat)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained (optional for extra kick)
  • 1/2 cup salsa or enchilada sauce (red or green)
  • 8–10 street taco-size corn tortillas (or small flour tortillas if preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral oil)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For topping: chopped cilantro, diced red onion, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the beef: Warm 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned with crispy edges, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Build the flavor base: Push the beef to one side. Add the remaining oil, onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds, then mix with the beef.
  4. Season and simmer: Sprinkle in taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles and the canned green chiles. Add salsa or enchilada sauce. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thick and saucy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Warm the tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave 20–30 seconds until pliable. This helps them layer without cracking.
  6. Layer the casserole: Spoon a thin layer of the beef mixture into the baking dish. Add a layer of tortillas, slightly overlapping. Spread a third of the beef over the tortillas, then sprinkle with a third of the cheese. Repeat layers two more times (tortillas, beef, cheese). Finish with cheese on top.
  7. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5–8 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with light golden spots.
  8. Rest and top: Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes to set. Top with cilantro, diced red onion, shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and dollops of sour cream or guacamole. Serve with lime wedges.