Speedy Weeknight Taco Bake

Why This Taco Casserole Will Become Your New Family Favorite

This Easy Beef Taco Casserole isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy households and anyone who loves Mexican-inspired cuisine. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to individual taco assembly! This casserole brings all the beloved taco elements together in one baking dish, drastically cutting down on prep and serving time. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, savory, and loaded with rich flavors, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. The melted cheese, seasoned beef, and soft beans create a hearty and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Crowd-Pleaser: From picky eaters to gourmet palates, everyone at your table will love this dish. It’s easily customizable with various toppings, allowing each person to create their perfect bite. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
• Meal Prep Friendly: One of its greatest advantages is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble the entire casserole (minus the final toppings) ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready to bake. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week or for busy weekends.
• Versatile and Adaptable: While we love the classic beef version, this casserole is incredibly flexible. Easily swap out ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein. Adjust the spices, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients, this taco casserole is a cost-effective way to feed a family without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

We’ve swapped our traditional Taco Tuesday routine for this delightful casserole, and it has quickly earned a permanent spot on our weekly menu. It captures all the essential components of tacos – seasoned ground meat, black beans, sweet corn, and crispy tortilla chips – all layered and baked until the cheese is bubbling and golden. The final touch? A generous scattering of fresh taco toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy chopped tomatoes, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, or tangy red onion, complemented by a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of zesty salsa.

Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips for the Best Taco Casserole

Elevate your taco casserole from good to extraordinary with these expert tips and variations:

• Versatile Meat Choices: While lean ground beef offers a classic, rich flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment! Ground turkey or ground chicken are fantastic lighter alternatives that still absorb the taco seasoning beautifully. For an even quicker meal, use leftover cooked and shredded chicken breasts. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sautéed vegetables and seasoning mixture at step 5, cooking just long enough to heat through and meld the flavors.
• The Magic of Homemade Taco Seasoning: For unparalleled flavor and control over your ingredients, I highly recommend making your own taco seasoning from scratch. It’s incredibly simple, uses common pantry spices, and allows you to adjust the heat and salt levels to your preference. Freshly ground spices often yield a more vibrant and aromatic seasoning blend than pre-packaged options.
• Don’t Skip the Veggies: The onions and bell peppers aren’t just for texture; they are crucial for building the foundational flavor of your meat layer. Sautéing them until tender brings out their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities, creating a more complex and delicious casserole. For an added layer of flavor and nutrition, consider adding diced zucchini or finely chopped carrots to your sauté.
• Amplify the Flavor and Heat: If you love a spicy kick, substitute the ¼ cup of water in the meat mixture with an equal amount of your favorite spicy salsa or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also mix in some finely diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) with the bell peppers for a bolder heat. For a milder but richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste to the meat mixture along with the seasoning.
• Cheese, Please! While cheddar and Mexican blends are standard, consider experimenting with other cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of spice, or a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby for extra creaminess. For an even richer top, add a sprinkle of cotija cheese after baking for a salty, crumbly finish.
• Crunch Factor: If you prefer an extra crispy topping, you can add another layer of tortilla chips on top of the cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking, or sprinkle them on right before serving. This ensures maximum crunch without them becoming soggy.

Craft Your Own Homemade Taco Seasoning for the Ultimate Flavor

For years, I’ve been making my own homemade taco seasoning, and it truly makes all the difference in recipes like this casserole. The store-bought packets are convenient, but a homemade blend offers fresher, bolder flavors and allows you to control the salt content and specific spice levels. It’s also free from anti-caking agents and other additives often found in commercial mixes.

Making a batch is incredibly easy and uses basic spices you likely already have in your pantry. Once you try it, you’ll rarely go back to pre-packaged options! For this casserole, you’ll need approximately 2 tablespoons of seasoning. You can easily scale up the recipe to make a larger batch and store it in an airtight jar for future taco nights, chili, or other Mexican-inspired dishes.

To whip up your own homemade taco seasoning, gather these essential spices:

• Chili Powder: The backbone of taco flavor, providing warmth and depth.
• Cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky, a signature Mexican spice.
• Paprika: Adds a sweet, peppery flavor and beautiful color. Use smoked paprika for an extra dimension.
• Garlic Powder: For a pungent, savory kick that blends seamlessly.
• Onion Powder: Complements the fresh onion in the recipe, adding more savory depth.
• Dried Oregano: Essential for that authentic Mexican herb flavor. Mexican oregano differs slightly from Mediterranean, but either works well.
• Salt: To enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your taste.
• Black Pepper: For a touch of mild spice.
• Cornstarch (optional): A small amount (about 1 teaspoon per batch) can help thicken the meat sauce slightly, giving it a more cohesive texture.

Simply combine all the spices in a small bowl, mix thoroughly, and store in an airtight container. When ready to use, measure out 2 tablespoons for your taco casserole. You’ll immediately notice the superior aroma and taste compared to store-bought varieties!

Can I make this taco casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare the entire meat layer as directed, allow it to cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, spread the chips in the dish, add the cooled meat mixture, top with cheese, and bake. For best results, let the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this taco casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare the meat layer according to the recipe instructions, then allow it to cool completely. Transfer the cooled meat mixture to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring it’s sealed tightly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the meat mixture overnight in the refrigerator. Then, simply assemble the casserole with the tortilla chips and cheese in a baking dish and proceed with baking as usual.

Can I use other types of meat besides ground beef?

Certainly! The versatility of this recipe is one of its best features. While lean ground beef provides a classic taste, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent alternatives for a lighter option. Cooked, shredded chicken breast (perhaps from a rotisserie chicken) also works wonderfully and can even speed up your prep time. Feel free to use whatever ground meat you have on hand or prefer for a personalized touch.

What kind of baking dish should I use?

A standard 13″ x 9″ rectangular baking dish (approximately 3-quart capacity) is ideal for this recipe, ensuring the perfect depth for all the layers and even baking. If you don’t have one, a similar-sized oven-safe dish will work, but cooking times might vary slightly depending on its depth and material.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

There are several ways to add more heat! You can swap the water in the meat mixture for a spicy salsa or a hot enchilada sauce. Incorporate finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers (fresh or canned) into the sautéed vegetables. A pinch of cayenne pepper with your taco seasoning, or a generous dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the meat, will also do the trick. For serving, offer extra hot sauce or a side of pickled jalapeños.

Easy Taco Casserole

Author: Anna

This Easy Beef Taco Casserole is everything you love about tacos in one convenient dish you can prepare ahead and bake when ready! It’s loaded with all your favorite taco ingredients like perfectly seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, wholesome black beans, sweet corn, and irresistible gooey melted cheese, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 ½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• ¼ cup water
• 2 cups tortilla chips
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).
2. Arrange 2 cups of tortilla chips evenly in a 13″ x 9″ baking dish. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add 1 cup of chopped green bell pepper and sauté for 3 minutes.
5. Add 1 small chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté until the onion is almost translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
6. Add 1 lb of lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
7. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, stir in well, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
8. Add ¼ cup of water (or salsa) and stir well, simmering until the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 2-3 minutes).
9. Add 1½ cups of black beans and 1 cup of corn. Stir everything together gently to combine and heat through.
10. Pour the meat mixture evenly over the tortilla chips in the baking dish.
11. Generously top the meat layer with 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese.
12. Bake the casserole for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
13. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
14. Serve topped with your favorite fresh taco toppings: crisp shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, black olives, red onion, fresh cilantro, or avocado.
15. Pair with a side of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for an enhanced experience.

Notes

• You can use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken (or cooked, shredded chicken breast) to make this dish. Adjust cooking times if using pre-cooked meat.
• For an extra layer of flavor and heat, substitute the ¼ cup of water in the meat mixture with your favorite spicy salsa.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Prepare and cool the meat layer completely before freezing in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling and baking.
• To prepare ahead, cook the meat layer, cool completely, and chill in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble with chips and cheese and bake when ready.
• Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients used. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise dietary tracking.

Nutrition

Why This Taco Casserole Will Become Your New Family Favorite

This Easy Beef Taco Casserole isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy households and anyone who loves Mexican-inspired cuisine. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to individual taco assembly! This casserole brings all the beloved taco elements together in one baking dish, drastically cutting down on prep and serving time. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, making it an ideal candidate for your weeknight meal rotation.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, savory, and loaded with rich flavors, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. The melted cheese, perfectly seasoned beef, and tender beans create a hearty and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: From picky eaters to gourmet palates, everyone at your table will love this dish. Its familiar flavors make it universally appealing, and it’s easily customizable with various toppings, allowing each person to create their perfect bite. This versatility makes it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with both adults and children.
• Meal Prep Friendly: One of its greatest advantages is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare and cook the entire meat layer, allow it to cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the casserole with chips and cheese, and pop it into the oven. This strategy makes it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week or for having a ready-to-bake dinner for busy weekends.
• Versatile and Adaptable: While we adore the classic beef version, this taco casserole is incredibly flexible. Easily swap out ground beef for leaner options like ground turkey or ground chicken, or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist. Adjust the spices to be milder or spicier, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or experiment with different types of cheese (like pepper jack or a smoky gouda) to suit your taste and dietary preferences. It truly is a recipe that can evolve with your cravings.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients that are often on sale, this taco casserole is a cost-effective way to feed a family without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. It stretches your grocery budget while still delivering a wholesome and delicious meal.

We’ve happily swapped our traditional Taco Tuesday routine for this delightful casserole, and it has quickly earned a permanent spot on our weekly menu. It captures all the essential components of tacos – the savory, perfectly seasoned ground meat, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and crispy tortilla chips – all layered and baked until the cheese is bubbling and golden. The final touch? A generous scattering of fresh taco toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy chopped tomatoes, creamy avocado, vibrant fresh cilantro, or tangy red onion, complemented by a dollop of cool sour cream or a spoonful of zesty salsa. It’s a complete meal that feels both familiar and exciting, promising a satisfying dinner experience every time.

Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips for the Best Taco Casserole

To ensure your taco casserole is nothing short of spectacular, here are some expert tips and creative variations that will elevate your dish from good to extraordinary. These insights come from years of culinary exploration and family feedback, guaranteeing a memorable meal every time:

• Exploring Other Meat Options: While lean ground beef delivers that classic, rich taco flavor, the versatility of this casserole allows for seamless substitutions. Consider using ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter, equally delicious alternative. Both absorb the taco seasoning beautifully, offering a slightly different, often milder, flavor profile. If you have leftover cooked chicken (perhaps from a rotisserie chicken), simply shred it and add it to your sautéed vegetables and seasoning mixture at step 5, cooking just long enough to heat through and meld the flavors. This is a fantastic way to utilize leftovers and save on prep time. For a plant-based version, consider using crumbled tempeh or your favorite meat substitute, ensuring it’s well-seasoned.
• The Unbeatable Taste of Homemade Taco Seasoning: For unparalleled flavor, freshness, and complete control over your ingredients, I cannot stress enough the benefits of making your own taco seasoning from scratch. Store-bought packets, while convenient, often contain anti-caking agents, excessive salt, and sometimes artificial flavors. A homemade blend uses common pantry spices, allowing you to fine-tune the heat, salt, and specific herb ratios to your exact preference. The aroma and depth of flavor from freshly ground and combined spices are simply superior and will significantly enhance your casserole.
• Embrace the Veggies: The onions, garlic, and bell peppers are not merely fillers; they are crucial components for building a complex and robust flavor foundation for your meat layer. Sautéing them until tender coaxes out their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities, which then infuse into the ground meat. Don’t skip these! For an even more nutritious and flavorful casserole, consider adding other finely diced vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or even mushrooms to your sauté. They cook down wonderfully and add extra vitamins and texture without overpowering the taco essence.
• Flavor Boosters and Heat Control: If you’re a fan of a spicy kick, there are easy ways to introduce it. Substitute the ¼ cup of water in the meat mixture with an equal amount of your favorite spicy salsa or a few dashes of your preferred hot sauce. For a more direct heat, finely dice some fresh or pickled jalapeños and add them to the skillet with the bell peppers. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper added to your taco seasoning blend will distribute heat evenly. For a deeper, richer, and slightly smoky flavor without added heat, a tablespoon of tomato paste stirred into the meat mixture (before adding water/salsa) can work wonders, caramelizing as it cooks.
• Cheese Exploration: While classic shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend are fantastic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack will introduce a mild, creamy heat, while a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby will offer extra creaminess and a subtle, buttery flavor. For a salty, tangy finish, consider crumbling a bit of cotija cheese over the top after the casserole comes out of the oven.
• Maximizing the Crunch Factor: To ensure your tortilla chips maintain their delightful crunch and don’t become soggy, consider these strategies:
  • Pre-Bake the Chips (Optional): For an extra-crispy base, you can briefly bake the empty tortilla chip layer for 5-7 minutes before adding the meat mixture.
  • Top with Fresh Chips: If you want maximum crunch with every bite, hold back about ¼ cup of chips and sprinkle them over the top of the melted cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, or even right after the casserole comes out of the oven.
• Serving Suggestions Beyond the Plate: While great on its own, this taco casserole is also phenomenal when served in creative ways. Use it as a filling for soft tortillas or crunchy taco shells, turn it into a hearty burrito bowl over rice, or even scoop it onto a bed of fresh greens for a satisfying taco salad.

These tips are designed to help you customize and perfect your taco casserole, ensuring it’s a dish that you and your loved ones will eagerly anticipate. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and experiment with what you have!

Craft Your Own Homemade Taco Seasoning for the Ultimate Flavor

For years, I’ve been a firm believer in making my own homemade taco seasoning, and it truly makes all the difference in recipes like this casserole. The convenience of store-bought packets is undeniable, but a homemade blend offers so much more: fresher, bolder flavors, complete control over the salt content, and the ability to customize specific spice levels to your family’s preference. Plus, it’s free from the anti-caking agents, excessive sodium, and sometimes artificial flavors found in many commercial mixes, meaning you’re adding pure, unadulterated goodness to your dish.

Making a batch is incredibly easy and uses basic spices you likely already have stashed in your pantry. Once you experience the vibrant aroma and superior taste of a homemade blend, you’ll rarely reach for those pre-packaged options again! For this particular taco casserole recipe, you’ll need approximately 2 tablespoons of seasoning. However, you can easily scale up the recipe to make a larger batch, store it in an airtight jar, and have it ready for future taco nights, chili, various Mexican-inspired dishes, or even seasoning grilled meats.

To whip up your own homemade taco seasoning, gather these essential spices:

• Chili Powder: This forms the backbone of the taco flavor, providing a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky depth that is characteristic of Tex-Mex cuisine.
• Cumin: Essential for its distinctive earthy, slightly bitter, and warm aroma. Cumin is a hallmark spice in many Mexican dishes and contributes significantly to the overall authenticity of your seasoning.
• Paprika: Adds a beautiful reddish hue, a mild peppery flavor, and a hint of sweetness. For an extra layer of complexity, consider using smoked paprika, which will infuse your casserole with a lovely smoky undertone.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a pungent, savory kick that blends seamlessly with other spices. It offers a deeper garlic flavor than fresh garlic alone in the mix.
• Onion Powder: Complements the fresh onion used in the casserole, adding another layer of savory depth and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.
• Dried Oregano: Crucial for that authentic Mexican herb flavor. While Mediterranean oregano can be used, Mexican oregano has a slightly more citrusy and less minty profile, which is perfect for this dish.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the other flavors. Start with a moderate amount and adjust to your taste, especially if you’re sensitive to sodium.
• Black Pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a mild, sharp spice and a pleasant aromatic kick.
• Cornstarch (optional): A small amount (about 1 teaspoon per standard batch of seasoning) can be included. This acts as a thickener when the seasoning is mixed with liquid during cooking, helping to create a slightly saucier, more cohesive meat mixture in your casserole.

Simply combine all the measured spices in a small bowl, mix them thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until well blended, and then transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container or a small jar. Store it in a cool, dark pantry, where it will remain fresh and flavorful for several months. When your recipe calls for taco seasoning, simply measure out the desired amount. You’ll immediately notice the superior aroma and taste compared to any store-bought variety, transforming your casserole into a truly gourmet experience!

Can I make this taco casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is incredibly convenient for meal prepping and busy schedules. You can prepare the entire meat layer, including sautéing the vegetables and seasoning the meat with beans and corn, as directed in the recipe. Once cooked, allow the meat mixture to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply spread your tortilla chips in the baking dish, add the cooled meat mixture, top generously with cheese, and bake. For the best and most even cooking, it’s a good idea to let the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this taco casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for long-term meal planning! To freeze, prepare the meat layer according to the recipe instructions, then allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the meat mixture to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing tightly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the meat mixture overnight in the refrigerator. Then, simply assemble the casserole with the fresh tortilla chips and cheese in a baking dish and proceed with baking as usual. We recommend adding fresh chips and cheese just before baking for optimal texture.

Can I use other types of meat besides ground beef?

Certainly! The versatility of this recipe is one of its best features, allowing you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. While lean ground beef provides a classic and robust taste, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent, leaner alternatives that absorb the taco seasoning wonderfully. For an even quicker preparation, you can use pre-cooked, shredded chicken breast (perhaps from a rotisserie chicken); simply add it to the sautéed vegetables and seasoning mix to heat through. Feel free to use whatever ground meat you have on hand or prefer for a personalized touch. For a vegetarian option, crumbled plant-based meat substitutes or extra beans and vegetables can also work well.

What kind of baking dish should I use?

A standard 13″ x 9″ rectangular baking dish (typically a 3-quart capacity) is ideal for this recipe. Its dimensions provide the perfect surface area for spreading the tortilla chips and layering the meat and cheese, ensuring even baking and delightful textural contrasts in every bite. If you don’t have this exact size, a similar-sized oven-safe dish made of ceramic, glass, or metal will work. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the depth and material of your chosen dish.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

If you love to bring the heat, there are several simple ways to kick up the spice level of your taco casserole! Instead of water, substitute the ¼ cup of liquid in the meat mixture with an equal amount of your favorite spicy salsa or a hot enchilada sauce. You can also incorporate finely diced fresh or pickled jalapeños or serrano peppers into the sautéed vegetables for direct heat. For a more distributed spice, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chipotle powder along with your taco seasoning blend. Finally, for serving, offer extra hot sauce on the side or a bowl of pickled jalapeños so everyone can customize their own spice level.

Easy Taco Casserole

Author: Anna

This Easy Beef Taco Casserole is everything you love about tacos in one convenient dish you can prepare ahead and bake when ready! It’s loaded with all your favorite taco ingredients like perfectly seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, wholesome black beans, sweet corn, and irresistible gooey melted cheese, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 ½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• ¼ cup water
• 2 cups tortilla chips
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).
2. Arrange 2 cups of tortilla chips evenly in a 13″ x 9″ baking dish. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add 1 cup of chopped green bell pepper and sauté for 3 minutes.
5. Add 1 small chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté until the onion is almost translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
6. Add 1 lb of lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
7. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, stir in well, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
8. Add ¼ cup of water (or salsa) and stir well, simmering until the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 2-3 minutes).
9. Add 1½ cups of black beans and 1 cup of corn. Stir everything together gently to combine and heat through.
10. Pour the meat mixture evenly over the tortilla chips in the baking dish.
11. Generously top the meat layer with 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese.
12. Bake the casserole for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
13. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
14. Serve topped with your favorite fresh taco toppings: crisp shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, black olives, red onion, fresh cilantro, or avocado.
15. Pair with a side of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for an enhanced experience.

Notes

• You can use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken (or cooked, shredded chicken breast) to make this dish. Adjust cooking times if using pre-cooked meat.
• For an extra layer of flavor and heat, substitute the ¼ cup of water in the meat mixture with your favorite spicy salsa.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Prepare and cool the meat layer completely before freezing in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling and baking.
• To prepare ahead, cook the meat layer, cool completely, and chill in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble with chips and cheese and bake when ready.
• Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients used. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise dietary tracking.

Nutrition