Haystack Casserole
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Delicious Haystack Casserole filled with rice and taco meat, topped with a homemade cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and olives and served with tortilla chips! This recipe is from my Mom’s recipe box and a family favorite casserole recipe!
I love this haystack casserole recipe. I repeat again I love this recipe! It’s one of my all time favorites and it once again originates in my Mom’s kitchen. You love that dear mom of mine just as much as me now don’t you?
You always know it’s going to be amazing when it comes out of her kitchen.
I’ll also admit that I’ve been holding out on you with this recipe. She made it a couple months ago and I forgot my camera. Well, I had to request it again (I mean to taste test it right?!) This time I remembered the camera!
In our house, we call this a Haystack Casserole, but I think you’d agree this is a great Taco Casserole recipe. Whichever name you use it will still taste amazing!
Please feel free to adapt the toppings to your preferences. My mom created “corrals” in our haystacks so my brother could have his toppings, my hubby the ultimate picky man could have a few toppings while the rest of us indulged in ALL the toppings!
Ingredients Needed!
- saltines
- rice
- ground beef
- onion
- tomato juice
- taco seasoning mix
- lettuce
- tomatoes
- butter
- all-purpose flour
- milk
- American cheese
- sharp cheddar cheese
- stuffed olives
- tortilla chips
- salt and pepper
How to make Haystack Casserole
I like to start by putting the crackers on the bottom of the baking dish and topping with the cooked rice.
Then, you will need to cook the beef and onion in a skillet until meat is no longer pink, drain off grease. Add tomato juice, water, and seasonings to the meat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
While the beef is simmering shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes and sprinkle these over the casserole.
Next, melt butter in sauce pan, stir in flour slowly and whisk until smooth.
Gradually add the milk while whisking, bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes stirring continuously. Reduce the heat and stir in American cheese. Pour cheese mixture over the tomatoes.
Top with shredded cheese and olives, then grab a chip and dig in!
Look at all those yummy layers in this casserole below!
Can Haystack Casserole be made ahead of time?
This is really best when served and made fresh. I’d love to tell you otherwise, but invite your friends over, make it a party and make this casserole!
How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
Refrigerated leftovers will keep about three days.
Can this this dish be frozen?
Sadly no, but with the lettuce and tomatoes, it really doesn’t freeze well!!!
Optional toppings for Haystacks
- black olives
- sliced jalapenos
- guacamole
- Chili’s Copycat Salsa
- sour cream
- pico de gallo
More great Mexican Casserole recipes!
- Mexican Lasagna Recipe
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Mexican Breakfast Quesadilla
- Easy Mexican Casserole
- Mexican Pasta Casserole
- 25+ Mexican Main Dish Recipes
If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!
WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS HAYSTACK CASSEROLE RECIPE BELOW:
If you enjoy watching these videos make sure you subscribe to my YouTube Channel to be notified each time I post a new video!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Haystack Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 c. crushed saltines about 20 crackers
- 1 c. cooked rice
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 large onion chopped
- 3/4 c. tomato juice
- 1/4-1/2 c. water
- 1 1/2 tbsp Taco seasoning mix
- Seasoned salt salt and pepper to taste
- 2 c. shredded lettuce
- 1 1/2 c. medium tomatoes diced
- 1/4 c. butter
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 2 c. milk
- 1/2 lb processed American cheese cubed
- 1 1/2 c. 6 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3.5 oz jar stuffed olives drained, diced
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Put crackers on the bottom of a 9×13 in baking dish. Top with rice.
- In a skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain.
- Add tomato juice, water, seasonings, simmer for 15-20 minutes. Spoon over rice
- Sprinkle with lettuce and tomatoes.
- In a saucepan melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk stirring as you add it. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes, reduce heat; sir in American cheese until melted. Pour over tomatoes.
- Top with cheddar cheese and olives.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Tips
- black olives
- sliced jalapenos
- guacamole
- Chili's Copycat Salsa
- sour cream
- pico de gallo
Taryn says
This taco casserole is delicious!
Julie Evink says
We agree! Glad you enjoyed it!
Jessica says
I’ve been trying to incorporate more ground beef recipes into our rotation and this one was a WINNER- especially with all of the lovely cheese.
Julie Evink says
Cheese makes everything better! Glad you enjoyed it!
Sister Bentley says
Julie! I just wanted to thank you for creating this website. I am sure it is a huge help to moms everywhere. I’m not a mom, but as a single adult living on my own I definitely can use this. Thank you! I can tell that you love and value your family a lot. I admire that.
What keeps you going?
Julie Evink says
Aw thanks! What keeps me going? I have a passion or an obsession. I’m not sure which, plus I think its fun! I truly enjoy creating recipes and being in the kitchen 🙂 But, really, comments like this is what keeps me going!
Donna Cranmore says
350 degeese ?
Donna Cranmore says
I assume it is cooked at 350 dereese for 25 minutes does not say the temperature.
Julie Evink says
Donna this recipe is not baked in the oven!
Nancy says
I’m going to try your Skinny coffee cake muffins but will substitute 1/4 cup honey for the white sugar, egg whites for the egg substitute and part whole wheat flour-skinnier and healthier I think. Thanks for the inspiration!
Michelle says
Once this is put together, do you bake it?
Julie Evink says
Nope everything should be hot from making it then just eat it with chips!
Marilyn says
Looks delishous! What is the white ingredient that’s under the shredded cheese in the picture? Thx
Jayme Arrasmith says
It looks like a sour cream maybe. But I also was wondering because it isn’t mentioned
Julie Evink says
I’m not sure what you are referring too?
Jayme Arrasmith says
The person before me asked what the white ingredient was that is shown in the photos. There’s what appears to be a white cream under the cheese.
Jen Nikolaus says
OMG. This looks to die for. Totally want. Now. Pinning to make for me and my boys. YUUUUUUM.
Julie Evink says
This is the meal I always ask for when my mom says. “So what would you like me to make you for supper?”
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says
What a fun, delicious, LOADED dish!! We would love this, Julie!
Julie Evink says
Thanks Cathy!
deb mills says
Sounds good! Have you ever done it with any other cracker than saltines? Would something like triscuits work? Thanks!
Julie Evink says
I’ve never tried anything except the saltines! Sorry I’m not much help!
Pam says
um, I pinned this because it looks wonderful but I had clicked on your link for crockpot Swedish meatballs. I was surprised when Haystacks popped up!
Julie Evink says
Sorry FIXED!
Lois says
My kids love Haystacks but I’ve never done it in a casserole before! I can’t wait to try this as it will be much easier to make with less dishes and clean up!
Julie says
I love them too! To bad the hubby doesn’t 🙂
Rissa says
You know i loved this one too when i went home with you that one weekend. It must have been your moms “college visitor” dish!
Savannah McQueen says
This looks so good. Would you consider linking it up to my blog hop party? Here is the direct link – http://www.savannahssavorybites.com/2011/11/under-big-top-friday-november-11.html#idc-container