Description
A hearty and flavorful Taco Casserole combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and salsa layered with crunchy tortilla chips and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and comforting Mexican-American dinner that’s easy to prepare and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Canned Goods
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
Assembly
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release flavor.
- Cook the meat: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned. Drain excess fat carefully to reduce greasiness.
- Add seasonings and vegetables: Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice), and salsa. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom. Pour the meat mixture over the chips and spread evenly. Layer the remaining chips on top.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend over the top. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- Top the casserole with sour cream, avocado slices, or jalapeños for added flavor and creaminess.
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms or add extra beans instead.
- Ensure the taco seasoning and tortilla chips are certified gluten-free if needed for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
