Gluten-Free Cheesy Taco Casserole
This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef with kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and layers of crunchy corn tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, it delivers all the flavors of tacos in an easy-to-serve format. The tortilla chips add texture and help absorb the savory beef mixture while staying pleasantly crispy on top.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can diced tomato
- 1 can red kidney beans
- 5 cups corn tortilla chipsflour tortilla chips1:1grain
softer texture
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and grease casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray
- 2
Brown ground beef and onion in skillet over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink
- 3
Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to beef and mix to combine
- 4
Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste
- 5
Add red kidney beans, stir, and simmer for additional time
- 6
Layer corn tortilla chips in bottom of casserole dish and sprinkle with half the shredded cheese
- 7
Spread beef mixture over tortilla chips
- 8
Top with remaining tortilla chips and cheese
- 9
Bake uncovered until cheese is melted
- 10
Serve immediately with sour cream for dipping
Tips
Drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning for a less greasy casserole
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set before serving
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in covered container
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated before baking
Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole
Common Mistakes
Avoid overbaking or chips will become too soft and lose their crunch
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
softer texture
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Cook it the same way but may need slightly longer to brown properly.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain chip texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Note that chips may lose some crispness after freezing.