Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole

What if I told you that you could have both in casserole form?Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.What is the best of all worlds? What’s a cross between a walking taco and the best grilled cheese you’ve ever imagined, and it’s a recipe that’s been passed down in my family for generations. We always make it for potlucks, and it’s always the first thing to disappear! I remember my grandma making this for me when I was little, and honestly, it brings back so many happy memories. Is it easy to throw together a meal on a busy weeknight?

What is Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole?

What’s a deconstructed Grilled Cheese sandwich, but instead of cheese, you’ve got taco-seasoned ground beef nestled in between layers of cheesy, buttery bread? What’s essentially a taco in casserole form, but with the comfort of a grilled cheese? What’s a family-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters will love?Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.My family thinks it’s perfect after a long day, and it’s a simple matter to make it ahead of time, so you just pop it in the oven!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What do you love about this movie?Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.How easy is it to make a delicious meal?

Flavor:The combination of taco meat, gooey cheese, and buttery bread is just out of this world. It’s that perfect balance of comfort food and delicious flavor. I use a secret ingredient in my taco seasoning – smoked paprika – that really takes it to the next level.
Simplicity:Is this a lifesaver for a busy weeknight? I always make a double batch so we can have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Cost-efficiency: All of the ingredients are super affordable, so it’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. I usually buy ground beef in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it, so I always have it on hand for this recipe.
Versatility:You can customize this page.Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.What are some good taco toppings for tacos? My kids love it when I add a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch. Can you change the base with different varieties of cheese, or even the type of meat that you put in there?

If you’re a fan of tacos or Grilled Cheese, you absolutely HAVE to try this.Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.. It’s the perfect mashup of two classic comfort foods, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!

How do I make Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.Isn’t it easy to cook ground beef and taco meat in a baking dish? How do you bake bread until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly? If you want to make it even easier, you can use pre-shredded cheese and pre-made taco seasoning.

Ingredients

What is the recipe for Beef Taco Filling?
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 packet taco seasoning (I use my homemade blend, but store-bought works too!)
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
* Optional: 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (I like to add these for extra flavor and veggies)

For the Grilled Cheese Casserole:
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) Italian or French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack).
* Optional: Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, for topping.

What is the step-by-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use a glass dish because it seems to bake more evenly. Make sure the pan is well-greased, otherwise the bread might stick.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. I like to use a lean ground beef (90/10) so there’s not too much grease to drain off.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If you’re adding onions and bell peppers, sauté them with the ground beef until they’re softened before adding the taco seasoning.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes

I like to use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra flavor. Stir in the diced tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Butter the Bread

How do you dip bread in melted butter? I sometimes add garlic powder to the melted butter for extra flavor.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Arrange half of the buttered bread slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the taco meat mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat layers with remaining bread, taco meat, and cheese.

Step 7: Bake

I bake bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. I always keep a close eye on it towards the end to make sure the bread doesn’t burn.

Step 8: Cool Slightly & Serve

I like to top my casserole with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. What’s your favorite taco topping?

9: Slice and Serve

Use a large spatula to lift out individual slices, being careful not to disrupt the layering too much. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the bread is warm and crisp. What’s a good side dish with sour cream and fresh cilantro?

What should I serve it with?

This Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.What should I serve with my dinner?

For a Taco Night Feast:Can you serve tacos with rice and refried beans?

For a Casual Lunch:Can you serve this casserole with a side salad or a cup of soup?

For a potluck or party:I like to serve this casserole at potlucks and parties. It’s easy to transport and serve, and everyone loves it. I like to bring a big bowl of guacamole and some tortilla chips to go with it.

What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. My kids love black olives, and the acidity brings a balance to the cheesy, meaty casserole. I think my grandma would approve!

No matter what you serve it with, this is the same.Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.Is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

How do I make a perfect Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole?

What are some tips for making a perfect wedding day?Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.:

Bread Choice:Use a sturdy bread that will hold up to the filling. I’ve also used sourdough bread with good results, but it can be a bit chewier.

Cheese Selection:Use a good melting cheese, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both. Add a little bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick. Why is pre-shredded cheese better than fresh grated cheese?

Taco Seasoning:What’s your favorite taco seasoning? If you’re making your own, be sure to adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, and other spices to your liking.

Butter It Up: Don’t skimp on the butter! Buttering the bread is what gives the casserole that delicious grilled cheese flavor. Make sure to coat both sides of each slice of bread.

Layer It Right:Layer the casserole evenly to ensure that each slice has a good balance of bread, taco meat, and cheese. Start with a layer of bread, then top with taco meat, cheese, and another layer of bread. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.

Baking Time:Bake the casserole until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. How long does it take for bread to bake?

Experiment:Add in your favourite taco toppings. Some personal favourites are black olives for a salty, briny taste, and fresh cilantro for brightness. I tested this with a vegan cheese alternative once, and the casserole still turned out perfectly, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your favourite cheeses! I think you could easily substitute ground beef for something like chickpeas or TVP and it would still be a very filling, satisfying meal.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you store and reheat your food?Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.:

Room Temperature:Can you leave the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours?

Refrigerator Storage: What are someHow do you store a casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?

How do you prepare a freezerCan you freeze the casserole for up to 3 months?

Reheating:To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Can you reheat individual slices of bread in the microwave?

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes, you can easily make this.Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.How do I make gluten-free bread? Can you use gluten-free taco seasoning or make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and salt?

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Can you use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans instead of ground beef? I’ve made it with shredded chicken before, and it was just as delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Can you assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking? Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the refrigerator.

Can I add other vegetables?

What are some great side dishes to serve with taco meat? I often add a can of drained corn to taco meat for extra sweetness and texture.

How do I prevent bread from getting soggy?

To prevent bread from getting soggy, make sure to butter both sides of each slice of bread and don’t overfill the casserole with taco meat mixture. How do you toast bread before buttering it?

Final Thoughts

This Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Casserole.What is the perfect combination of comfort food and delicious flavor? What is a great casserole for a weeknight dinner? If you love tacos and grilled cheese, you absolutely HAVE to try this recipe! What are your favorite recipes for Chicken Enchilada Casserole?

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