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a small taco casserole topped with sour cream and olives.
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5 from 18 votes

Taco Casserole For One

Layers of seasoned ground beef and cheese between crispy tostadas and baked in the oven. Easy single servings recipe is absolutely delicious!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: taco
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Ingredients

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • ¼ pound ground beef (or use ground turkey)
  • ¼ cup salsa
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 tostadas (or 3 crumbled taco shells)
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional for topping: Sour cream, black olives, extra salsa

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Heat oil in a small sauté pan on medium high heat.
  • Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook for a minute more.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until meat is browned, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until thoroughly cooked.
  • Stir in the salsa, water and taco seasoning. Reduce heat to low and simmer 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sauce with thicken a bit.
  • Lightly spray a small baking dish with oil spray. In the baking dish, place 1 tostada or crumbled taco shells.
  • Top evenly with beef mixture. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
  • Repeat with remaining tostadas, meat and cheese.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  • Top with sour cream, olives and extra salsa, if desired.

Notes

  • Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your Taco Casserole turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
  • Opt for Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you have the pantry staples like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, consider whipping up your own taco seasoning. It's a simple step that lets you control the flavor and salt content. The recipe for it is included below.
  • Swap Beef for Turkey: Looking for a lighter option? Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef and it keeps the casserole just as delicious.
  • Kick Up the Spice with Pepper Jack: For those who enjoy a little heat, switch out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack. It adds an extra layer of zing to your casserole.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients:
Mix the following together in a small bowl:
  • 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
This recipe will yield a little more than 1 1/2 tablespoons of taco seasoning.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 836kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 1697mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1595IU | Vitamin C: 9.8mg | Calcium: 710mg | Iron: 3.2mg

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