Description
Mexican-inspired easy taco casserole delights taste buds with layers of zesty flavors and hearty ingredients. Home cooks can quickly prepare this crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies hunger and brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Toppings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (10 ounces) tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) for optimal casserole preparation.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef and incorporate water, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop robust flavors for 5 minutes.
- Create a hearty filling by combining seasoned beef with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, onion, bell pepper, and optional cooked rice in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Establish a crunchy foundation by spreading half of the crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of a baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the prepared beef and vegetable mixture over the initial chip layer.
- Complete the casserole by covering the beef mixture with remaining tortilla chips and generously sprinkling shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling canopy.
- Elevate the dish’s presentation by garnishing with fresh toppings: dollops of sour cream, vibrant salsa, crisp lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, briny black olives, and fragrant cilantro.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content.
- Replace regular tortilla chips with baked or whole-grain versions to cut down on excess calories and add more nutritional value.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting taco seasoning or using mild green chilies for sensitive palates.
- Make this dish vegetarian by swapping ground meat with plant-based crumbles or additional beans for protein-packed alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 489 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg