Why I Love This Recipe
My Taco Fiesta Bubble-Up Casserole is the perfect blend of flavor, comfort, and ease. It’s one of my most popular recipes because it’s packed with bold taco flavor, but it’s incredibly simple to make. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! The combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, melty cheese, and soft biscuit pieces makes every bite delicious. It’s a one-pan meal that’s ideal for busy nights, and it’s easy to customize to suit different tastes. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s sure to be a hit.
Taco Fiesta Bubble-Up Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per Serving: 254 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked extra-lean ground beef
- 1 (7.5 oz) package Pillsbury biscuits (10 biscuits per pack, use the 4-value pack or weigh out the equivalent if necessary)
- 1 package taco seasoning (30g)
- 1 1/3 cups salsa
- 2 cups diced peppers (I used red, orange, and yellow)
- 1 cup diced onion (I used red onion)
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (I use a 3-cheese blend)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Fat-free sour cream (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef:
- In a pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the taco seasoning and salsa. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Dice the peppers and onions.
- Cut each biscuit into 6 small pieces.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Place half of the biscuit pieces in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with half of the beef and salsa mixture, followed by half of the diced peppers and onions, and then half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining biscuit pieces, meat mixture, peppers and onions, and cheese.
- Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top as the final layer.
4. Bake:
- Loosely cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are fully cooked and golden brown on top.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing it into 6 servings.
5. Serve:
- Optionally, top with a spoonful of fat-free sour cream before serving for extra creaminess.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 254 kcal
- Fat: 7.2g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 21.2g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Protein: 25.1g
Tips and Tricks
- Customizing the vegetables: Feel free to swap the peppers and onions for other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Biscuit variations: If you want to lighten it up even more, you can use reduced-fat or whole wheat biscuits for a healthier alternative.
- Add some heat: For a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicier salsa.
- Cheese substitutions: You can swap the 3-cheese blend for any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend.
- Make it a make-ahead meal: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil.
Notes
- Personal Points: 8
- SmartPoints (Blue/Green/Purple): 7
- Points Plus: 6
- Meal Prep: You can double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-friendly: If you have leftovers, this casserole freezes well! Just cool it completely, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. You can even try a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. - Can I use a different brand of biscuits?
While I recommend Pillsbury biscuits for their fluffiness and consistency, you can use any brand of refrigerated biscuits. Just ensure the biscuit dough weighs about 7.5 oz, or adjust accordingly. - What if I don’t have a 9×13 casserole dish?
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch casserole dish, you can use any similar-sized baking dish. Just make sure the ingredients are evenly spread out and cook for the same amount of time, adjusting if needed based on the size of your dish.
This Taco Fiesta Bubble-Up Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and loaded with flavor. Whether you need a quick dinner or something to serve at a casual gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit
