Description
A quick and easy Taco Casserole that layers familiar taco flavors in a cozy baked dish, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained slightly
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips or quarters
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the pan. Break it apart and cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and cooked rice. Mix well and cook 2–3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust salt or spice.
- Spoon half of the meat mixture into the prepared dish. Layer half the tortilla pieces over the mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining meat, tortilla pieces, and finish with the last cup of cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tortilla edges turn golden. For a browner top, broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and add dollops of sour cream if desired.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth if you add it, and pick lean ground meat to reduce grease. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for extra beans or a plant-based ground.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg