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 SeasoningIngredients: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.