Description
Mexican Taco Casserole brings layers of zesty flavors and comforting textures to dinner tables. Cheesy, spicy goodness combines ground beef, tortillas, and bold seasonings for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 6 small corn tortillas (cut into strips)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Garnish Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Avocado
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, preparing a baking dish for the layered casserole.
- Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cooking until the meat is evenly browned and no pink remains.
- Remove excess fat from the skillet, then incorporate taco seasoning and a small amount of water, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors.
- Create the first foundation layer in the baking dish by arranging tortillas to completely cover the bottom surface.
- Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture across the tortilla base, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle black beans over the beef layer, followed by a generous spread of salsa to add moisture and zest.
- Generously scatter cheese across the current layer, melting and binding the ingredients together.
- Construct a second identical layer, repeating the tortilla, beef, beans, salsa, and cheese sequence.
- Top the final layer with an additional blanket of cheese for maximum golden, crispy coverage.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese becomes fully melted and develops a bubbly, slightly crisp texture.
- Remove from oven and embellish with fresh garnishes: diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and creamy avocado slices.
- Serve immediately while the casserole remains hot and the cheese is still gooey.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning to match your preference.
- Replace ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative that adds extra authentic Mexican flavor.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to quickly assemble the casserole during busy weeknights, saving valuable cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg