Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Casserole brings layers of zesty flavors together in one comforting dish. Cheesy, spicy goodness delivers a perfect weeknight meal that will satisfy hungry guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
Vegetables and Canned Goods:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
Seasoning and Toppings:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring an ideal cooking temperature for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Transform ground beef in a spacious skillet, sautéing with diced onions until the meat achieves a rich, golden-brown complexion and thoroughly cooks through.
- Enhance the protein mixture by incorporating zesty taco seasoning, vibrant Rotel tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn kernels, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective flavors.
- Construct the casserole foundation by spreading a thin salsa layer across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking vessel, creating a moisture-rich base.
- Carefully arrange tortillas across the salsa, ensuring complete coverage with strategic overlapping techniques.
- Distribute half of the seasoned meat mixture evenly across the tortilla layer, creating a robust protein landscape.
- Generously dot the meat surface with creamy sour cream, then cascade a third of the shredded cheese across the terrain.
- Replicate the layering process: another tortilla foundation, remaining meat mixture, and an additional cheese shower.
- Crown the casserole with final tortilla sheets, lavishly coating with remaining salsa and completing the cheese cascade.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, baking for 20 minutes to develop deep, interconnected flavors.
- Unveil the casserole, allowing direct heat to transform the cheese into a molten, bubbling masterpiece during an additional 10-15 minute baking period.
- Allow the casserole a brief resting interval, permitting flavors to stabilize and structure to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and accompany with complementary elements like guacamole, extra salsa, or spicy jalapeños for a personalized dining experience.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of this hearty casserole.
- Swap corn tortillas with cauliflower tortillas or large lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative that still delivers amazing flavor.
- Dial down spiciness by using mild Rotel tomatoes or replacing them with regular diced tomatoes for sensitive palates.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling layers and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which makes meal prep super convenient for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg