Print

Ultimate Cheesy Taco Casserole Recipe Easy Family Dinner Idea

ultimate cheesy taco casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy cheesy taco casserole that combines seasoned beef, beans, and crunchy tortilla chips into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen corn
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (about 10 oz / 280 g)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups (100 g) crushed tortilla chips
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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 until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and is fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to coat all the meat. If the mixture looks dry, add a couple tablespoons of water to keep it moist.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, frozen corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to blend.
  6. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Spoon half the seasoned meat mixture over the chips.
  8. Add the bean and corn mixture evenly on top of the meat.
  9. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the bean mixture.
  10. Repeat layers: add another layer of crushed tortilla chips, followed by the remaining meat, then the rest of the cheese on top.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and edges are slightly crisp. Tent with foil if chips brown too fast.
  12. Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if using.
  13. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra gooey cheese, add a handful of shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking. To keep chips crunchy, layer them in the middle and on top and avoid adding too much liquid. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing. Use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes to control salt. Serve with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or hot sauce for added flavor. Can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, chorizo, or plant-based meat alternatives. For low-carb, use crushed pork rinds instead of tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy taco casserole, easy family dinner, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, Mexican casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/ultimate-cheesy-taco-casserole-recipe-easy-family-dinner-idea/