Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired “easy taco casserole” brings zesty southwestern comfort to dinner tables with layers of ground beef, cheese, and crispy tortilla chips. Quick weeknight meals never tasted so satisfying when you crave bold flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or use cheddar), divided
Vegetable and Bean Ingredients:
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15.5-ounce) jar salsa (your favorite kind)
Seasoning and Oil Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), preparing a cozy environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- In a spacious skillet, drizzle olive oil and set over medium heat. Introduce ground beef and diced onions, allowing them to mingle and transform – beef browning and onions softening into a fragrant base.
- Awaken the meat mixture with a robust blend of spices: chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Let these aromatic seasonings dance and intensify for a brief moment.
- Crush Doritos into rustic pieces and fold them into the skillet alongside black beans, sweet corn kernels, and zesty salsa. Stir thoroughly to create a harmonious mixture with interwoven textures and flavors.
- Carefully transfer this vibrant medley into a waiting baking dish, creating an even layer. Generously shower the first layer of shredded cheese across the surface.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 20 minutes until the edges become slightly crisp and bubbling.
- After initial baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, returning to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, tempting blanket.
- Extract the casserole from the oven and permit it to rest momentarily, allowing flavors to settle and integrate.
- Embellish with preferred garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced tomatoes, then serve this comforting, flavor-packed dish.
Notes
- Crush Doritos into smaller pieces for even distribution and better texture throughout the casserole.
- Drain black beans and corn completely to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish soggy.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the recipe.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or extra beans to maintain protein levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg