Description
Mexican-inspired easy taco casserole brings layers of zesty flavors to dinner tables with minimal preparation. Cheesy, spicy layers promise a crowd-pleasing meal you will devour with pure culinary satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 4 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- sour cream, for serving (optional)
- fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring even temperature distribution for optimal cooking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes, then carefully drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Introduce diced onions to the skillet, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, then add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn into the meat mixture, allowing ingredients to simmer and integrate for 5 minutes.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and create a foundational layer using half the crushed tortilla chips, ensuring even coverage across the bottom.
- Distribute the seasoned meat mixture uniformly over the chip layer, creating a consistent base for the casserole.
- Sprinkle remaining tortilla chips across the meat layer, then generously cover with shredded cheese for a melty, golden topping.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese becomes completely melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from oven and allow slight cooling before serving, optionally garnishing with sour cream and fresh cilantro for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that keeps the protein and flavor intact.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning and reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier, lighter meal without sacrificing taste.
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy green chilies and adjusting taco seasoning intensity to suit different palates.
- Prep components ahead of time and store separately to create a quick weeknight meal that’s ready in minutes when assembled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg