Description
Mexican-inspired taco casserole layers spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas into a hearty family dinner. Comfort meets flavor in this quick, satisfying meal that brings zest and warmth to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
Vegetable and Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Tortilla Base:
- 8–10 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
Optional Toppings:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced or sliced
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Fresh or pickled jalapeños
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced fresh tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for melding flavors and melting cheese.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining unnecessary fat to maintain a lean texture.
- Enhance the meat with taco seasoning, incorporating diced tomatoes with chilies, black beans, and salsa for a robust flavor profile.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing spices to marry and intensify.
- Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
- Create the first foundation layer by arranging tortillas across the bottom of the dish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla base, creating a hearty initial layer.
- Generously sprinkle the first portion of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage of the meat mixture.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, creating a second substantial tier.
- Pour the remaining beef mixture over the new tortilla layer, maintaining consistent distribution.
- Complete the casserole by topping with the final layer of shredded cheese, promising a golden, melted finish.
- Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.
- Once removed, garnish with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, creamy sour cream, and spicy jalapeños for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning and salsa to match personal spice preferences.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the casserole.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the authentic Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 431 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg