Description
Taco casserole brings zesty Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla chips make this quick meal a family favorite that disappears faster than you can say delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Base and Vegetables:
- 12 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
Sauces and Cheese:
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown 1 pound ground beef, breaking it into small pieces while cooking. Drain excess grease completely.
- Add 1 chopped medium onion to the beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until onions become soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle 1 packet of taco seasoning and pour 15 ounces of tomato sauce into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Mix in 15 ounces of rinsed black beans, 15 ounces of drained corn, and 4 ounces of chopped green chilies. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
- Blend 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream in a bowl until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 350F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Create the first layer by placing 6 flour tortillas across the bottom of the dish, cutting some to ensure complete coverage.
- Spread half the beef mixture evenly across the tortilla layer, ensuring consistent distribution.
- Dollop half the cream cheese mixture over the beef, using a spatula to create an even layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, cream cheese mixture, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350F for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 12-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and extra sour cream.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
- Make this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which helps blend the flavors even more.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use a hot taco seasoning blend to amp up the heat in your casserole.
- Choose corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, and always check your taco seasoning packet to ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 37-45 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg