Taco casserole is a delightful dish that brings all the flavors of your favorite tacos into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. With layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, topped with crispy tortilla chips, this casserole is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 cups slightly crushed tortilla chips
- Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, green onions, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the beef mixture over the chips, followed by half of the creamy mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture, creamy mixture, and another cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite taco toppings such as chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, green onions, sour cream, and guacamole. Enjoy!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used in place of ground beef. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze taco casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup? A: If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade version by combining 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 cup of milk. Cook until thickened and use in place of the canned soup.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? A: Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, jalapeños, or even spinach to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use a cream of mushroom soup that is vegetarian or make a homemade version with vegetable broth.
This taco casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its layers of flavors and textures make it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy!