Cheesy Taco Casserole

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Cheesy Taco Casserole: The Ultimate Family Favorite 🌮🧀

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Introduction:

What do you get when you combine all the deliciousness of tacos with cheesy, baked goodness? Cheesy Taco Casserole! This recipe takes your taco night to the next level by turning it into a hearty, layered casserole that’s packed with bold flavors and topped with a generous amount of gooey cheese.

Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck dinners, this Cheesy Taco Casserole is easy to throw together, makes enough to feed a crowd, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. It’s a dish the whole family will love, from the crunchy tortilla chips to the zesty taco-seasoned beef and melted cheese. Let’s dive into this deliciously cheesy recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 (10 oz) bag tortilla chips, slightly crushed
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • ÂĽ cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • One-Pan Wonder: All the taco goodness you love, but without the mess of multiple pans or assembly lines.
  • Cheesy, Crunchy Perfection: A crispy tortilla chip base and layers of melted cheese make this casserole irresistible.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences, from adding more veggies to choosing your favorite type of cheese.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the Seasonings

Stir in the taco seasoning, following the package instructions, usually adding about â…“ cup of water. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and black beans, stirring everything together.

4. Layer the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips across the bottom. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture on top, followed by the corn kernels. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture.

5. Bake It

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Add Toppings & Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, sliced olives, and fresh cilantro if you like. Serve it up with more tortilla chips or a side of guacamole!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Toppings Galore: Don’t be afraid to load this casserole up with your favorite taco toppings—diced tomatoes, avocado, or even jalapeños can all add an extra punch.
  • Pair It with a Salad: Serve this cheesy casserole alongside a fresh green salad with a light citrus dressing to balance out the richness.
  • Make It a Burrito: Use leftovers to fill tortillas for an easy next-day burrito.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Taco Casserole:

  1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.
  2. Crunchy Tortilla Chips: Slightly crushing the chips before layering them in the casserole keeps some big pieces intact, adding that satisfying crunch with every bite.
  3. Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re making this for spice lovers, swap out the diced tomatoes for a spicier version or add in some jalapeños for heat.

FAQs:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to bake!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion into the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! After assembling the casserole (but before baking), you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed.

Customization Ideas:

  • Make It Veggie: Swap the beef for black beans and extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
  • Spice It Up: Use hot salsa or add cayenne pepper for a bit more heat in the taco filling.
  • Add Some Rice: For a heartier casserole, mix in cooked rice along with the beef layer.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cheesy Taco Casserole:

This Cheesy Taco Casserole hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, crunchy, and comforting. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings, as it can easily feed a crowd and can be customized to everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this casserole has something for everyone.

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