Taco Bake Casserole – A Flavorful Family Favorite
Taco Bake Casserole is a mouthwatering twist on traditional tacos that your family will love. This easy-to-make dish combines all the classic taco flavors into a comforting casserole. It’s a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 small flour tortillas
For Topping:
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced black olives
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Season and Add Beans:
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and add the drained and rinsed black beans. Cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Corn and Tomatoes:
- Mix in the corn kernels and undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Place four flour tortillas in the bottom of the greased baking dish, overlapping as needed.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the meat mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve:
- Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve your Taco Bake Casserole with toppings such as sour cream, sliced green onions, black olives, sliced jalapeños, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Cook’s Notes:
- Tortilla Variation: You can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a different texture and flavor.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your family’s preferences. Salsa, guacamole, and diced tomatoes are also great choices.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.
Taco Bake Casserole is a satisfying and savory meal that combines all the wonderful flavors of tacos in a convenient casserole form. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a versatile and delicious choice for any occasion. Enjoy!
