Description
All the flavors of a classic walking taco baked into an easy, family-friendly casserole. Seasoned beef, crunchy chips, melty cheese, and customizable toppings make this a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Avocado or guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Season Beef: Mix in the taco seasoning packet and ¾ cup water. Let this simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the drained black beans and corn kernels, mixing them thoroughly into the beef mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased baking dish to create the base layer of your casserole.
- Add Chips: Sprinkle the crushed tortilla or corn chips evenly over the beef layer to add a crunchy texture.
- Top with Cheese: Generously cover the top with shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, which will melt beautifully during baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your choice of optional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, or avocado for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Add a layer of crushed chips just before serving for an extra crunch and fresh texture.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve, making it great for meal prep.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
