Description
Savor Mexican-inspired comfort with this easy taco casserole, where layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy tortillas, and melted cheese create a hearty meal. Delicious and simple, it promises to satisfy hungry families with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Grains and Base:
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 cup rice
- 1 package corn tortillas
Dairy and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Vegetables:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 diced tomato
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
Extras:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure a non-stick surface for the casserole.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly and create a flavorful meat base.
- Cook rice according to package instructions, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Layer crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a crunchy foundation for the casserole.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef over the chip layer, creating an even meat distribution.
- Add a layer of cooked rice, followed by drained black beans and corn, ensuring complete coverage across the dish.
- Scatter diced bell peppers and fresh tomatoes over the previous layers for added texture and flavor.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire casserole, covering all ingredients.
- Tear corn tortillas into smaller pieces and distribute them across the cheese layer for additional texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
- Top with dollops of sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve with additional salsa on the side for extra zesty flavor.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and cook rice in advance to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.
- Customize Protein: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the casserole.
- Spice Control: Adjust taco seasoning quantity to match your preferred heat level, using mild or spicy blends based on personal taste preferences.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for enhanced flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg