Description
This Taco Casserole with Tortillas is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground meat, black beans, corn, tomatoes with green chilies, tortillas, and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a flavorful combination with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, salsa, and cilantro for added freshness and creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- ½ cup water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Casserole Layers
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas, halved
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Simmer with Seasoning and Veggies: Stir in the taco seasoning along with ½ cup of water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Next, add the black beans, corn, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix everything thoroughly and heat through before removing from the heat.
- Layer the Casserole: Arrange a single layer of the halved tortillas evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the cooked taco mixture over the tortilla layer and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the process with another layer of tortillas, the remaining taco mixture, and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese to create a layered casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to heat thoroughly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing to help it set. Serve warm, garnished with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, salsa, and chopped cilantro for added taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey with cooked shredded chicken for a different protein option.
- To make this casserole vegetarian, omit the meat and double the amount of beans and vegetables used.
- Feel free to use either flour or corn tortillas based on your preference or dietary requirements.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
