Beef Tortilla Taco Casserole

This Beef Tortilla Taco Casserole is a vibrant fusion of Mexican flavors and comforting casserole traditions, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. It combines the richness of ground beef, the crunch of tortilla chips, and the warmth of taco spices, all wrapped in a blanket of melted cheese. This dish is not only a celebration of the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine but also a testament to the versatility and simplicity of casserole cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this recipe is sure to delight with its ease of preparation and satisfying results.

Ingredients

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• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning (or homemade blend)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup Frozen Corn Kernels
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
• 6-8 Corn Tortillas, cut into quarters
• 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips (e.g., Fritos or Doritos)
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• 1/4 cup Diced Fresh Tomatoes
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Season Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, add the taco seasoning and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the flavors are fully incorporated.
4. Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn kernels. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Prepare Tortillas: In a separate pan, lightly toast the tortilla quarters over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This will add a bit of crunch and depth to the dish.
6. Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom. Arrange half of the toasted tortilla quarters on top of the chips.
7. Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture over the tortillas.
8. Add Cheese and Remaining Tortillas: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture, followed by the remaining tortilla quarters. Top with the remaining cheese.
9. Bake Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Top Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and tomatoes add a vibrant freshness to the dish.
• Customize with Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, salsa, or diced avocado to let everyone customize their portion.
• Layering Matters: Ensure each layer is evenly spread to achieve a balanced flavor and texture in each bite.
• Taco Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different taco seasoning blends or make your own to adjust the spice level.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerating until ready to bake.
• Tortilla Chip Crunch: Use a mix of tortilla chips and crushed Fritos for added texture.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
• Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Chicken Twist: Use shredded or diced chicken instead of beef for a different protein source.
• Mushroom and Onion: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for added depth of flavor.
• Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs and diced sausage or bacon for a breakfast twist.
• Low-Carb Option: Use fewer tortillas and more vegetables to reduce carb content.

Nutritional Guide

Additional Nutritional Notes: This Beef Tortilla Taco Casserole is a balanced meal that combines protein from the beef, fiber from the vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from the tortillas. It is relatively high in fat due to the cheese and tortilla chips, but these can be adjusted to suit dietary needs. Consider using low-fat cheese or reducing the amount of tortilla chips for a healthier version.