Description
Hearty easy taco casserole brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables across America. Layered tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal families will eagerly devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 6 tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Vegetables:
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans
Sauce and Extras:
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking conditions.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions and bell peppers over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, salsa, black beans, and corn into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Prepare a casserole dish by creating an initial layer of tortillas covering the bottom surface.
- Spread an even layer of the seasoned beef mixture directly over the tortillas.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the meat layer to ensure complete coverage.
- Repeat the tortilla, beef, and cheese layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final cheese topping.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow ingredients to set.
- Garnish with fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
- Dial down spiciness by choosing mild salsa or omitting hot peppers, making this dish kid-friendly and adaptable to different heat tolerances.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole quickly, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative that adds a traditional Mexican texture and authentic taste to the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg