Taco Dip Casserole
This Taco Dip Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and a creamy sour cream topping. Baked to bubbly perfection, it's an ideal meal for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect with tortilla chips.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- 1 Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
Main
- cooking spray
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.75 cup water
- 1 1.25 ounce package taco seasoning mix
- 1 10 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as RO*TEL®)
- 2 tablespoons taco sauce or to taste
- 1 16 ounce can refried beans, warmed
- 1 8 ounce container sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease thoroughly once cooked.
- To the browned beef, stir in the water, the entire package of taco seasoning mix, the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained), and the taco sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- While the beef mixture simmers, warm the refried beans in a separate microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan until softened and easy to spread.
- Spread the warmed refried beans evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture over the layer of refried beans, distributing it evenly.
- Gently spread the sour cream over the beef layer to create the final topping of the casserole.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving warm with your favorite taco accompaniments.
Notes
Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and excess fat drained for a cleaner, less greasy casserole. Warming the refried beans slightly before spreading will make them much easier to layer smoothly. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lime juice to the sour cream layer. Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of taco sauce to your preferred spice level. Serve hot with plenty of fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or jalapeños, alongside tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping.