Ultimate Comfort: Cheesy Taco Casserole Extravaganza

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort of a hearty casserole. Our Cheesy Taco Casserole is a symphony of savory goodness, where seasoned ground beef meets layers of gooey cheese, creating a dish that’s not just a meal but a celebration of indulgence. Join us as we guide you through the steps of crafting this ultimate comfort food, destined to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Taco Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 12 small corn tortillas, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly baked casserole with golden, bubbly cheese.
2. Prepare the Taco Seasoning:
   • In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful taco seasoning.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add Aromatics and Veggies:
   • Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Stir in diced bell pepper, black beans, and corn. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
5. Season with Taco Mix:
   • Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to evenly coat everything with the aromatic blend of spices.
6. Create Layers:
   • In a greased baking dish, start by layering half of the corn tortilla pieces at the bottom. Top with half of the beef and vegetable mixture, followed by half of the salsa and a generous sprinkle of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat the layers.
7. Bake to Perfection:
   • Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once out of the oven, let the Cheesy Taco Casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.

Cook Notes

• Tortilla Choices: Using small corn tortillas adds a delightful texture to the casserole. Feel free to experiment with flour tortillas or low-carb alternatives for keto or low-carb versions.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa, depending on your taste preferences.

Variations

Veggie Delight:

• Amp up the vegetable content by adding diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to the beef mixture.

Guacamole Galore:

• Serve each portion with a generous dollop of guacamole for a creamy and flavorful twist.

Keto Versions

Keto-Friendly Ingredients:

• Substitute corn tortillas with almond flour or coconut flour tortillas for a lower-carb option.
• Adjust the black bean and corn quantities to fit your keto goals.

Keto-Friendly Cheese:

• Opt for full-fat, high-quality cheeses to enhance the richness without adding unnecessary carbs.

Low Carb Version

Low Carb Ingredients:

• Choose low-carb tortillas and adjust the black bean and corn amounts to align with your low-carb preferences.
• Incorporate cauliflower rice into the beef mixture for added bulk without the extra carbs.

Low Carb Toppings:

• Top your low-carb casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of crushed pork rinds for added crunch.

The Cheesy Taco Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace of flavors and textures. Whether you follow the classic recipe, venture into tantalizing variations, or adapt it to keto or low-carb lifestyles, each forkful is a journey through layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and the comforting warmth of well-blended spices. So, gather your ingredients, layer upon layer, and let the aroma of this indulgent casserole fill your kitchen. Share it with loved ones, savor the cheesy goodness, and revel in the joy of a Cheesy Taco Casserole Extravaganza. Happy cooking and indulging in this ultimate comfort food!