Description
This Taco Casserole is a flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes layered with crushed tortilla chips and melted cheddar cheese. Topped with sour cream and fresh garnishes, it’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), drained
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ¾ cup water
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Optional Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if desired.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add the taco seasoning mix and water to the skillet. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Add the black beans, frozen corn, and drained diced tomatoes with green chiles to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture over the chips. Dollop the sour cream on top and gently spread it over the beef layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sour cream layer.
- Add Second Layer: Add the remaining crushed tortilla chips evenly over the cheese. Top this with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese, creating a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Add optional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats very well, making it perfect for leftovers.
