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Layers of easy taco casserole with beef, cheese, and tortillas.

Taco Casserole

A cozy, cheesy, and crunchy taco casserole that’s easy to prepare with everyday groceries, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons Taco seasoning Use a packet or homemade.
  • 1 small Onion, diced Optional but adds flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Optional but adds flavor.
  • 1 can Black beans, drained Pinto beans are a good substitute.
  • 1 cup Corn Frozen, canned, or leftover.
  • 1 cup Salsa Choose your preferred spice level.
  • 4 cups Crushed tortilla chips Thick chips are recommended for crunch.
  • 2-3 cups Shredded cheese Cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Add diced onion and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, typically 1/3 cup.
  5. Add black beans, corn, and salsa to the mixture, letting it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning with salt or lime juice if needed.
Layering and Baking
  1. In a 9x13 baking dish, layer crushed tortilla chips at the bottom.
  2. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the chips, then sprinkle a handful of cheese.
  3. Repeat with another layer of chips, the remaining filling, and a thick layer of cheese.
  4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.
  5. Let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, hot sauce, or extra salsa. It's versatile enough for picky eaters and spice lovers alike. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.