Taco Casserole Recipe

I recently made a Ground Beef Tortilla Casserole that quickly became a new favorite. The seasoned beef mingles with fragrant onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, black beans, and hearty corn for a mix of flavors. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips and melty cheddar cheese, each bite delivers a delightful surprise indeed.

I recently stumbled upon a taco casserole recipe that completely blew my mind. It layers crispy tortilla chips over a rich mix of seasoned ground beef, diced onion, and garlic, all brought together with that perfect packet of taco seasoning.

While sautéing the meat, I added a bit of water and tossed in some diced tomatoes with green chilies for a unique kick. I also mixed in black beans and corn kernels so that every bite is bursting with flavor.

Topped off with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, it reminds me of those innovative dishes I’ve seen like hamburger tortilla casseroles and even some taco pizza casseroles. There’s a fun twist to this dish that makes it feel both familiar and totally new.

I like to serve it with a dollop of sour cream and a scattering of chopped cilantro if you’re feeling extra fancy. This is the kind of recipe perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that really stands out.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to make even if I’m in a rush. The way the crunchy tortilla chips mix with the seasoned beef and melty cheese always hits my spot. I also love that there’s a bunch of different flavors, from the tomatoes and corn to the black beans, which makes it really satisfying. Finally, it’s a one-dish meal that everyone in my fam enjoys, so it makes clean up way less of a hassle.

Ingredients

• Ground beef offers a hearty protein boost and rich iron content for satisfying fullness.
• Black beans pack fiber and protein that help with digestion and keep you energized.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a tangy, slightly spicy burst along with vitamins.
• Taco seasoning brings a mix of aromatic spices that make the flavors really pop.
• Cheddar cheese gives a creamy texture and extra protein, though its fat content is high.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
• 10 oz bag tortilla chips (or break up 6-8 small corn tortillas)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: sour cream and chopped cilantro for serving

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it starts to brown, then add the diced onion and minced garlic.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning mix with 1/2 cup water and mix well so the beef is coated evenly.

4. Add in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn kernels, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. Grab your casserole dish and spread a layer of tortilla chips evenly along the bottom.

6. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture over the tortilla chips, making sure to distribute it evenly.

7. If you like, add a second layer of tortilla chips on top of the beef, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.

8. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is all melty and bubbly.

9. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

10. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro if you want, then dig in and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – make sure it’s working and can be preheated to 350°F
2. Large skillet – needed for browning the beef and cooking the veggies
3. Cutting board – to dice the onion and mince the garlic
4. Knife – sharp enough to cut through the veggies
5. Measuring cup – for accurate measurement of 1/2 cup water
6. Can opener – used to open the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn cans
7. Casserole dish – to layer the tortilla chips, beef mixture, and cheese
8. Spoon or spatula – for stirring the beef mixture and spreading it evenly over the chips
9. Strainer or colander – to drain the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn kernels before adding them to the skillet

FAQ

Taco Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch.
• No small onion? You can use half a medium onion or even a few shallots for extra flavor.
• Out of garlic cloves? Garlic powder works fine – about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
• If you’re out of taco seasoning, you can mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt to cook up your own.
• Don’t have black beans? Kidney or pinto beans can be a good swap too.

Pro Tips

1. When cooking the beef, make sure you let the onions and garlic get a little browned before adding your taco seasoning. This extra step really builds up more flavor and makes your dish more tasty.

2. I suggest you stir in a little extra water if the beef mixture seems too thick; it helps the flavors meld together really well and keeps the casserole from drying out.

3. If you like a spicier kick, try throwing in some chopped jalapeno peppers or add extra green chilies when you put the tomatoes in. It gives your dish a nice, extra bit of heat.

4. A neat trick is to layer the chips and beef mixture evenly so every bite has a good mix of the crunchy chips and savory filling. This helps you avoid ending up with a plate that’s all one thing.