Description
Taco Casserole is a hearty, layered one-pan meal made with seasoned ground beef or chicken, beans, cheese, tortilla chips, and taco seasoning, baked until bubbly and golden. With bold Mexican-inspired flavors and simple prep, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, olives, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or chicken until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, beans, and optional corn; cook for 2–3 minutes.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips.
- Add the seasoned meat mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and optional toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Prevent soggy layers by avoiding too many wet ingredients.
- Spice it up with cumin, chili powder, or extra jalapeños.
- Substitute with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based protein for variations.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips or dairy-free cheese for dietary needs.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: ~420
- Sugar: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~780 mg
- Fat: ~23 g
- Saturated Fat: ~10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~32 g
- Fiber: ~6 g
- Protein: ~26 g
- Cholesterol: ~75 mg