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Taco Casserole Recipe – Easy Family Dinner Everyone Loves

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This taco casserole brings all the best taco flavors together in one easy, comforting dish. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, corn, salsa, crunchy tortilla chips, and gooey cheese, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean preferred, or substitute ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons, or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans)
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn)
  • 1 cup chunky salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 3 cups tortilla chips, slightly crushed
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1–2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
  • Diced tomatoes (optional, for serving)
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional, for serving)
  • Shredded lettuce (optional, for serving)
  • Guacamole or diced avocado (optional, for serving)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion for 6–8 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat, until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, then add 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Add drained beans, corn, and salsa to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through and saucy. Add a splash more salsa or water if it looks dry.
  5. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter half the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. Spoon half the beef-bean mixture over the chips. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining chips, meat mixture, and cheese.
  6. Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown at the edges. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  7. Remove from oven and let sit for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with cilantro and green onions if desired.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or lime wedges.

Notes

For best results, use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Customize with your favorite toppings or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version. Let the casserole rest before serving for cleaner slices. Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 1 day, or freeze for up to 2 months. Vegetarian option: use extra beans and sautéed veggies instead of beef.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco casserole, easy dinner, family meal, Mexican casserole, ground beef, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option, cheesy casserole, taco bake, meal prep

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/taco-casserole-recipe-easy-family-dinner-everyone-loves/