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Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole
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Taco Casserole is a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly one-dish meal combining seasoned ground meat, beans, cheeses, and tortillas baked together for under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a comforting blend of cheesy, spicy, and savory Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup and easy customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Beans

  • 1 lb Ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Refried beans or salsa

Seasonings & Vegetables

  • 2 tbsp Taco seasoning
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 1 cup Bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Lime juice

Other Ingredients

  • 2 cups Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 2 cups Tortilla chips (crushed) or 6 corn tortillas (torn)
  • Optional: sliced avocado, sour cream for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. When no longer pink, stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Mix in black beans, sautéed bell peppers, and onions. Cook until bubbly and well combined.
  2. Layer the Casserole: Spread a layer of refried beans or salsa in a baking dish to start the base. Add half of the meat mixture, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. Layer crushed tortilla chips or torn corn tortillas over the cheese. Repeat the layers to create a stacked casserole.
  3. Bake Until Perfect: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges crisp up.
  4. Add Fresh Finishing Touches: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and optionally sliced avocado or sour cream for added brightness and creaminess.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for deeper, complex flavor.
  • Keep layers balanced to avoid sogginess or dryness.
  • Pre-crush tortilla chips slightly for even crunch throughout.
  • Fresh bell peppers and onions add texture and color.
  • Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for better slicing and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco casserole, Mexican casserole, quick dinner, family-friendly, baked casserole, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight meal, gluten-free casserole

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/taco-casserole/