Description
This hearty Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a creamy sour cream base, layered with cheddar cheese and crispy tortilla chips, then baked to melty perfection. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and olives, it makes a delicious, all-in-one Mexican-inspired dinner that’s perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Tomato Mixture
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
Toppings and Garnishes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy dish.
- Cook Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and add approximately 2/3 cup water as per packet instructions, mixing well.
- Add Tomato Products: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Sour Cream: Stir in the kidney beans, frozen corn, and sour cream until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Remove from Heat: Take the skillet off the heat to stop cooking the filling mixture.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture in an even layer.
- Sprinkle Tortilla Chips: Evenly spread the crushed tortilla chips on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake Initial Layer: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole and let it cool for a few minutes to set.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and sliced black olives for fresh flavor and garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- If sour cream is unavailable, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative.
- Crushed tortilla chips add crunch but can be replaced with crushed tortilla strips or omit for a gluten-free version.
- Make sure to drain fat carefully to reduce grease in the casserole.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if chilled.
