Loaded Taco Beef Casserole 🌮🔥
A cheesy, hearty fiesta in one dish! Layers of seasoned beef, beans, crunchy tortilla chips, and melty cheese—baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
Taco Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp each garlic/onion powder, paprika, salt)
- ½ cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained/rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
Crunchy Layer:
- 4 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel), drained
Cheesy Topping:
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Toppings: Diced avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, green onions
Instructions
1. Cook the Taco Beef:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, water, beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer 5 mins.
2. Layer the Casserole:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the tortilla chips.
- Top with beef mixture, then diced tomatoes.
- Add remaining chips and sprinkle cheese evenly.
3. Bake & Serve:
- Bake 20-25 mins until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool 5 mins, then dollop with sour cream and add toppings.
Pro Tips
✔ Crispier chips? Add half before baking, the rest in the last 5 mins.
✔ Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked), refrigerate overnight, then bake.
✔ Spice it up: Use hot salsa or add cayenne to the beef.
Serving Ideas
- 🥗 Pair with Mexican street corn salad.
- 🥑 Serve with lime wedges and extra salsa.
- 🍽️ Scoop onto lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
This casserole is easy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser! Let me know if you’d like a vegetarian or keto version. 😊
(Leftovers reheat well—if there are any!)