Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion
diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can black beans
drained and rinsed, 15 ounce
- 1 can corn
drained, 15 ounce
- 1 jar salsa
16-ounce
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
divided
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
divided
- Toppings: shredded lettuce
diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, etc., Optional
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. (About 6 to 8 minutes.) Drain excess fat.
- 3
Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- 4
Spread 1 cup of the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the beef mixture.
- 5
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese over the beef. Top with the remaining 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips.
- 6
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- 7
Remove the casserole from the oven. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- 8
Serve hot with desired (optional) toppings. Enjoy!
Taco Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving a crowd-pleasing meal that brings all the festive flavors of a taco night to your dinner table with minimal fuss? This hearty Taco Casserole delivers big on taste and satisfaction, making any evening feel like a fiesta.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by layering familiar, beloved taco elements into one irresistible dish. It combines savory ground beef and classic taco seasoning with the richness of black beans, corn, and vibrant salsa, all brought together under a blanket of gooey melted Mexican cheese. The clever inclusion of crushed tortilla chips, both in the casserole and as a topping, ensures a delightful textural contrast in every bite, elevating it beyond a simple skillet meal.
What to Expect
Prepare for a comforting and robust dish where every forkful bursts with a balance of seasoned beef, tender beans, and sweet corn, brightened by the tangy kick of salsa. The shredded Mexican cheese blend melts into a creamy, golden topping, perfectly complementing the slight crunch from the tortilla chips. It's a deeply satisfying meal designed for those who love hearty, flavorful comfort food that's straightforward to prepare and incredibly rewarding to eat.
Customization & Variations
This Taco Casserole is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also easily make it vegetarian by using extra beans and corn or incorporating a plant-based ground crumble. Feel free to experiment with different types of salsa, from mild to extra spicy, to adjust the heat level to your liking. If you're out of black beans, pinto beans make an excellent substitute.
Serving & Context
This Taco Casserole is a fantastic choice for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings where you need a comforting meal that feeds a crowd. Serve it hot with a colorful array of fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, a dollop of sour cream, or a scoop of creamy guacamole and fresh cilantro for an authentic taco experience.