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Cheesy Taco Casserole

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A quick and easy cheesy taco casserole combining seasoned beef, melty cheese, and soft tortillas for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (240 ml)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen corn (150 g)
  • 68 flour tortillas, 6-inch size
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (100 g)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, coating the beef and onions evenly. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Stir in the drained black beans and frozen corn. Cook another 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Beans can be omitted if preferred.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a few tortillas on the bottom, slightly overlapping to cover the base.
  7. Spread about one-third of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  8. Repeat layers of tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of cheese on top.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  10. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set up.
  11. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
  12. Serve warm with sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.

Notes

For gluten-free, swap flour tortillas for corn or gluten-free tortillas. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version. Cover casserole loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes if cheese isn’t melting smoothly. Avoid overcooking to prevent dry tortillas. Freshly shred cheese for best melt and flavor. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispier top if desired.

Nutrition

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