A delicious and easy-to-make taco casserole with a cheesy twist.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and saves time later.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Cooking the onion with the beef enhances the flavor of the dish.
Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water, cooking until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
Adding water helps distribute the seasoning evenly.
Spread the refried beans evenly over the bottom of a baking dish.
Warming the beans slightly makes them easier to spread.
Layer the cooked beef mixture over the beans.
Pressing the beef layer gently ensures an even surface.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef layer.
Using freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Pour the salsa evenly over the cheese layer.
Choose a salsa with your preferred level of spiciness.
Top with the crushed tortilla chips, the remaining cheese, and the sliced black olives.
Crushing the chips adds a crunchy texture to the dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keep an eye on the dish to prevent over-browning.
Remove from the oven and garnish with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Adding fresh toppings enhances the flavor and presentation.