Taco Casserole Recipe
This hearty Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and salsa, layered with crushed tortilla chips and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
Seasonings and Beans
- 1 packet (2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
Other
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot enough by the time your casserole is assembled.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the finely chopped onions. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the onions soften and the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish leaner.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef mixture, stirring well to coat the meat evenly with the flavorful spices.
- Mix in Beans, Corn, and Salsa: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, and salsa. Combine these ingredients thoroughly so that the flavors meld together uniformly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the meat mixture into a 2-quart baking dish or a 9-inch pan. Evenly sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top, then cover with shredded cheddar cheese to create a melty, crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños before serving.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from the beef to reduce greasiness and calories.
- You can add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or jalapeños for more flavor and texture.
- For a spicier version, use a hot salsa or add cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or a green salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Taco Casserole, ground beef casserole, Mexican casserole, easy dinner, cheesy casserole