Description
Mexican-inspired walking taco casserole delivers hearty comfort through layers of seasoned beef, crunchy chips, and melted cheese. Simple ingredients create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies hunger and brings people together at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) crushed tortilla chips (Fritos or Doritos work great!)
- 1 packet (28 g) taco seasoning
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) water
- 1 (10-oz/284 g) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
- 1 (15-oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 0.5 cup (75 g) diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup (50 g) shredded lettuce
- 0.25 cup (40 g) sliced jalapenos
- 0.25 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Meat Transformation: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until caramelized, draining excess fat. Incorporate taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, water, and black beans, simmering for 2-3 minutes to develop rich flavor complexity.
- Layering Foundation: Spread crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a crisp base for the casserole.
- Flavor Composition: Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the chip layer, ensuring complete coverage and maximizing taste distribution.
- Cheese Crowning: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a molten golden blanket that will melt and bind the dish’s components.
- Baking Finale: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape.
- Serving Refinement: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting flavors settle and intensify before presenting this culinary creation.
Notes
- Drain Ground Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy, heavy texture and ensure a crisp, lighter casserole base.
- Choose Quality Tortilla Chips: Select sturdy, thick-cut chips that won’t become soggy; corn chips with a robust structure work best for maintaining crunch.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust taco seasoning and add jalapeños or hot sauce to personalize heat intensity for different taste preferences.
- Dietary Modification Options: Swap ground beef for lean turkey or plant-based crumbles, use low-fat cheese, and incorporate gluten-free chips to accommodate various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg