Taco Casserole

By ngaldi

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix
• 2 cups instant mashed potato flakes
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• Shredded Cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped fresh tomatoes, diced onions, sour cream, and/or your favorite taco toppings, for serving (optional)
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Details

Servings 4
Adapted from workman.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the milk and 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning. Remove from the heat and stir in the mashed potato flakes. Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of an ungreased 10-inch ovenproof pie plate.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle it with the salt and pepper, and cook, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, crumbled pieces, until fully browned, about 10 minutes. Carefully drain off and discard the grease. Add the refried beans, barbecue sauce, ¼ cup water, and the remaining taco seasoning to the skillet and cook, stirring until the mixture is bubbly, 10 minutes.
Turn the beef mixture out into the prepared crust. Bake, uncovered, until the casserole is bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes.
Cut the casserole into squares and serve with whatever taco toppings you enjoy.