Description
Mexican-inspired easy taco casserole combines ground beef, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing dinner. Layers of zesty flavors and simple ingredients create a hearty meal that satisfies hungry families in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
- 1 cup corn
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces and stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Incorporate taco seasoning into the meat, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly and create a robust, zesty profile.
- Select a spacious baking dish and create a foundational layer using crisp tortilla chips, arranging them to cover the bottom completely.
- Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly across the chip layer, creating a substantial protein base.
- Strategically sprinkle black beans and corn over the beef, ensuring balanced coverage and texture variety.
- Generously ladle salsa across the entire casserole, allowing the sauce to seep between layers and enhance overall moisture.
- Liberally cover the surface with shredded cheese, creating a golden, melty topping that will transform during baking.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese becomes fully melted and edges turn slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to stabilize the layers and prevent immediate burning.
- Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and sliced olives to add brightness and additional flavor dimensions.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that’s packed with protein and flavor.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and selecting a mild salsa to control salt intake without sacrificing taste.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal, storing chopped vegetables and cooked meat separately in the refrigerator for easy assembly.
- Customize toppings based on dietary needs or preferences, such as using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or adding avocado for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg