Is Tuesday looking hard to tackle? Well, this Easy Beef Taco Casserole will have you saying “¡Hola!” to a great new addition that can help with the Tuesday night crazies! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or just a laid-back weekend, this meal-mender will always help you catch up and be appreciative of all your time well spent. The juicy ground beef has all the tastes of your favorite taco that everyone loves, minus the tortilla, plus all the tender beans and fresh veggies. Add this casserole to the busy-night menu category and everyone will be delighted! Sometimes you just need a little break, and this Easy Beef Taco Casserole will do just that… while not compromising the great Taco Tuesday taste that you know so well. So, take a breather and make this easy bake when time is tight or even when it isn’t… either way, it comes out a winner!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles, diced and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (16-ounce) jar picante sauce or salsa
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded, divided
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3 –In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil.
Step 4 –Add the ground beef to the oil and cook, while crumbling the meat, until it is mostly cooked, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 5 –Add the onion and the jalapeño to the beef and cook, stirring often, until it is softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
Step 6 –Add the garlic to the beef mixture and cook until the meat is fully cooked, about 1 minute. Drain the excess grease.
Step 7 –Add the taco seasoning, the black beans, the green chiles, the salt, the black pepper, the tomato paste, and the picante sauce to the beef, stir to combine, and cook, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 8 –Transfer the taco mixture from the heat and add in 1 cup of the shredded Mexican-blend shredded cheese, mixing well.
Step 9 –Transfer the taco mixture to the prepared baking dish and evenly top with the remaining cheese.
Step 10 –Transfer the casserole to the oven and bake until it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted, about 25 minutes.
Step 11 –Plate and serve.
