Taco Casserole Recipe
The taco casserole is a modern twist on traditional Mexican tacos. While tacos date back to ancient Mexico, where they were a staple in the diet of indigenous people, the casserole version is a relatively recent creation.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves adding about 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the drained black beans and corn to the skillet, stirring to combine with the seasoned meat.
- Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the layer of tortilla chips. Next, spread the diced tomatoes with green chilies over the meat mixture. Add a layer of sour cream on top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sour cream layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, top with sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with a side of salsa and extra tortilla chips for added crunch.