Easy Taco Casserole
A deliciously spicy taco casserole with layers of ground meat, colorful veggies, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or substitute with plant-based ground meat) Choose lean meat for a healthier option.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Sauces
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, diced) Drain if using canned to avoid excess liquid.
- 2 cups corn Canned or frozen corn can be used.
- 1 cup salsa
Seasoning and Cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning Homemade is great for added flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free alternatives) Use your preferred type.
Tortilla and Garnishes
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed (or low-carb tortillas for a healthier twist)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil For cooking the meat.
- optional Chopped cilantro for garnish
- optional Sour cream for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cooking the Meat
- Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook for about 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart until fully browned.
- Season your meat with a pinch of salt and pepper during this step.
Combine Ingredients
- Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and taco seasoning to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Assembling the Casserole
- In a large baking dish, start layering your ingredients: half of the meat mixture, half of the crushed tortilla chips, and one cup of salsa.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients—meat, tortilla chips, salsa, finishing with the remaining cheese.
Baking
- Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream, if desired.
Notes
Tips: Keep an eye on baking time to avoid overbaking, and don't skip seasoning your meat for the best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.