Zesty Ranchero Taco Casserole

Zesty Ranchero Taco Casserole

April 23, 2025

Dive into a crowd-pleasing Zesty Ranchero Taco Casserole that’s packed with flavor and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner! This dish layers savory ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and a creamy cottage cheese mixture between crispy tortillas and a cheesy topping, creating a deliciously hearty meal. With the hint of Fire Wrangler Zesty Ranchero seasoning, every bite bursts with flavor that taco lovers will adore. Easy to assemble and satisfying to eat, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite!

Zesty Ranchero Taco Casserole

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Author:

Nick Parsons

This recipe combines all the beloved flavors of tacos in a convenient, hearty dish that everyone will love. Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or serving a larger crowd, it’s an irresistible addition to your recipe collection!

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Image of Zesty Ranchero Taco Casserole

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground round (or ground beef)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can chopped tomatoes (14.5 oz)
2 (10 oz) cans of enchilada sauce
1.5 tsp Fire Wrangler Zesty Ranchero seasoning (plus more to taste)
¼ cup salad oil (for frying tortillas)
12 corn tortillas, cut in half
1 egg
1 cup cottage cheese
1 ½ cup shredded jack cheese
1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (you can mix the two cheeses together or use a pre-mixed blend)
2-3 cups crushed tortilla chips

Directions

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, season the ground beef liberally with Fire Wrangler Zesty Ranchero seasoning and cook over medium heat until browned.
Add Vegetables and Sauce: Add the chopped onion and can of chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Pour in the enchilada sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Prepare Tortillas: In a separate frying pan, lightly heat the salad oil over medium heat. Fry each tortilla half for a few seconds on each side until slightly crispy, then remove and drain on paper towe
Mix Cottage Cheese: In a bowl, beat together the cottage cheese and egg until well combined.
Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9x12-inch baking dish, begin layering the ingredients:
-½ of the meat mixture
- ½ of the cheese mixture (jack and cheddar)
- ½ of the cottage cheese mixture
- ½ of the fried tortillas

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with the remaining meat mixture on top.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese, a sprinkle of Zesty Ranchero seasoning, and crushed tortilla chips.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm. This casserole pairs well with a side salad or your favorite guacamole!