Description
This Simple Taco Casserole is a quick and comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring savory seasoned meat, beans, corn, and melted cheese layered with crunchy tortilla chips. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, and pleasing the whole family with hearty, customizable layers.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced jalapeños or green chilies
Dairy & Crunch
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 2 cups tortilla chips or strips
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in the taco seasoning. Fold in drained black beans, frozen corn, and tomato sauce or salsa. Mix until evenly combined. Optionally, add diced jalapeños or green chilies for extra heat.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a baking dish. Spread a layer of tortilla chips evenly to cover the bottom. Pour half of the meat mixture over the chips, then sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining chips and meat mixture, and finish with another layer of cheese on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set and deepen the flavors. Garnish with sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh onions and garlic for deeper flavor.
- Layer ingredients lightly to keep tortilla chips crunchy.
- Mix cheese varieties like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a melty, flavorful topping.
- Let casserole rest about 5 minutes before slicing for cleaner portions.
- Add fresh garnishes like sour cream, avocado, or cilantro for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: taco casserole, quick dinner, Mexican casserole, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight meal, layered casserole, gluten-free dinner
