Description
Hearty Tex Mex Casserole brings layers of zesty southwestern flavors to dinner tables across North America. Melted cheese, spicy ground beef, and crisp tortilla chips create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Dairy and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal casserole preparation.
- Brown ground beef with onions in a large skillet, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, then mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, simmering the blend for 5 minutes to develop robust flavors.
- Create layers in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish: spread cooked rice as the foundation, followed by the seasoned meat mixture.
- Spread a smooth layer of sour cream over the meat, ensuring even coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the entire surface, creating a rich, melty topping.
- Crush tortilla chips and distribute evenly over the cheese layer for a crispy texture.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors before serving.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning to match your heat preference.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Add fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top after baking for a bright, fresh flavor boost.
- For a gluten-free option, use corn tortilla chips and verify the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg