Description
Rich layers of Mexican-inspired flavors dance in this hearty Taco Casserole, blending spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips. Comfort meets zest in a single skillet, promising a delicious dinner that satisfies you completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 8 small corn tortillas (or 4 large flour tortillas, cut in halves)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
- ½ cup water
Toppings and Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for layering)
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions
- Arrange tortillas as a foundational layer, completely covering the base of the baking dish to create a sturdy base for the casserole.
- Distribute seasoned beef mixture generously and evenly across the tortilla base, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Generously shower the beef layer with shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and create a rich, creamy texture.
- Create a secondary layer by carefully positioning additional tortillas over the cheese, mimicking the initial base structure.
- Repeat the beef and cheese layering process, building height and intensity of flavors with each successive stratum.
- For enhanced creaminess and tang, intersperse dollops of sour cream between layers, creating pockets of smooth, cool contrast to the warm, spiced beef.
- If desired, garnish the final top layer with an extra sprinkle of cheese to achieve a golden, bubbling surface when baked.
- Transfer the constructed casserole to a preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and the cheese to transform into a molten, appetizing topping.
Notes
- Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas to adjust texture and flavor profile.
- Use lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option.
- Prep tortillas by briefly toasting them in a skillet to enhance their crispiness and prevent sogginess during baking.
- Layer ingredients carefully to ensure even distribution of flavors and prevent dry spots in the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg