Description
Hearty Southwestern Taco Casserole brings layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortillas dancing together in one comforting dish. Packed with bold flavors and easy preparation, this casserole delivers a satisfying meal that will have you craving seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables and Canned Goods:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (10 ounces) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to a moderate temperature of 375F (190C), ensuring an even cooking atmosphere.
- In a spacious skillet, transform ground beef and diced onion through robust sautéing until the meat achieves a rich, caramelized brown appearance.
- Enhance the meat mixture with vibrant taco seasoning, zesty Rotel tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, allowing these components to meld and intensify flavors during a brief five-minute simmer.
- Create a foundational layer of salsa across the bottom of a rectangular baking vessel, establishing a moisture-rich base.
- Strategically arrange tortillas to completely blanket the salsa, overlapping edges to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Distribute the spiced meat mixture evenly across the tortilla foundation, creating a robust initial layer.
- Introduce dollops of creamy sour cream and generously scatter the first portion of shredded cheese, promoting a luxurious texture.
- Replicate the layering process with additional tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese, building complexity and depth.
- Crown the casserole with a final tortilla layer, painting its surface with a vibrant salsa glaze and completing the cheese coverage.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, initiating the baking process to develop internal flavors and moisture.
- Unveil the casserole during the final cooking stage, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Allow the casserole a brief resting period to stabilize its structure and intensify its flavors.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh cilantro and accompanying with complementary toppings like guacamole, additional salsa, or spicy jalapeños.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, lower-fat alternative.
- Enhance flavor by using homemade taco seasoning instead of pre-packaged mixes, controlling sodium and preservative levels.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the type of salsa or adding fresh diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg