Description
This Taco Casserole is a flavorful, layered dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef cooked with onions and taco seasoning is combined with beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, then layered with crunchy tortilla chips and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh garnishes, it’s a comforting and savory meal that brings the best of Mexican-American flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Seasonings and Mix-Ins
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Other
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- Chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup water, then simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Mix Vegetables: Add the drained black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes until heated through, then remove from heat.
- Combine Cheese and Sour Cream: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the sour cream into the beef and vegetable mixture until well combined.
- Layer Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips, then sprinkle the remaining crushed tortilla chips on top.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese as the final layer on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm, optionally with extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a spicier casserole.
- Serve with extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side for added flavor.
- To make this gluten-free, use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning mix.
