Easy Tex-Mex Dinner (Printable Format)

A simple but satisfying casserole featuring layers of tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and plenty of melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights!

# What You'll Gather:

→ Casserole Base

01 - 1 bag (9-10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
02 - 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
03 - 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
04 - 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on preference)
05 - 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
06 - 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

→ Optional Toppings

07 - Sour cream
08 - Guacamole
09 - Diced tomatoes
10 - Sliced black olives
11 - Chopped green onions
12 - Fresh cilantro

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan to prevent sticking.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, mixing well to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
03 - Spread half of the lightly crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. These will form your crunchy base layer.
04 - Spoon the refried beans over the chips, spreading them into an even layer. This creamy layer helps bind everything together. Next, add half of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the beans.
05 - Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese over the beef layer. This middle layer of cheese helps everything stick together when melted.
06 - Add another layer with the remaining tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the beef mixture. Top it all with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface for that perfect cheesy top.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
08 - Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro. Serve warm while the cheese is still gooey.

# Important Tips:

01 - Don't over-crush the tortilla chips - leaving some larger pieces adds better texture and crunch to the finished dish.
02 - This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking.
03 - For the best melting, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
04 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
05 - For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with an extra can of black or pinto beans, or use plant-based ground meat alternative.

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