Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Taco Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines classic taco ingredients into a hearty bake. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 1 (14 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (12 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (15.5 oz) jar salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Optional toppings: grape tomatoes (halved), chopped scallions, chopped avocado, sliced olives, chopped lettuce, chopped cilantro, sour cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the meat and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Cook for another 5 minutes until fragrant and beef is cooked through.
2. Step 2: Spread the crushed tortilla chips evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
3. Step 3: Drain excess liquid from the skillet. Add black beans, corn, salsa, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the beef mixture over the crushed tortilla chips in the casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and add your choice of toppings such as tomatoes, scallions, avocado, olives, lettuce, cilantro, and sour cream before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner meat or use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian dish.
• Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Replace black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas to vary the texture.
• For a low-carb version, use crushed low-carb tortillas instead of tortilla chips.
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby, or a non-dairy cheese for a lactose-free option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To keep the tortilla chips crunchy, add fresh toppings and sour cream only when serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve, adding extra baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze the leftover casserole?

While freezing is possible, the texture of the tortilla chips may change and become soggy. For best results, freeze only the beef mixture separately and assemble the casserole fresh before baking.

Taco Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

This Taco Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese over a crunchy tortilla chip base. Topped with fresh vegetables and creamy sour cream, this casserole offers a delicious twist on classic taco flavors baked to perfection.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 14 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 12 oz can corn, drained

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Base and Cheese

• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 1 15.5 oz jar salsa (your favorite kind)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Toppings (optional but recommended)

• Grape tomatoes, halved
• Chopped scallions
• Chopped avocado or guacamole
• Sliced olives
• Chopped lettuce or mixed greens
• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream or low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Prepare beef and onions: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are softened.
2. Add spices: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Prepare casserole base: While beef cooks, cover a 9×13 casserole dish with crushed tortilla chips to create a crunchy foundation.
4. Combine beef mixture: Drain excess liquids from the skillet. Add black beans, corn, salsa, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture. Stir well until evenly combined.
5. Assemble casserole: Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortilla chip base in the casserole dish. Level the surface.
6. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
7. Bake: Place casserole in preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
8. Add toppings and serve: Remove from oven and top with desired fresh toppings such as grape tomatoes, scallions, avocado, olives, lettuce, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option or use a plant-based substitute to make it vegetarian.
• Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, but regular paprika works fine if unavailable.
• Crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs can replace tortilla chips if needed.
• For a lower-fat topping, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Mix and match toppings based on your preference for flavor and texture variety.
• Ensure to drain excess liquid from cooked beef to avoid soggy casserole.

Keywords: Taco Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Mexican Casserole, Cheesy Taco Bake, Easy Dinner