If you’re a fan of tacos, you’re going to love this Easy Taco Casserole! Like the name says, it’s easy to make, savory, zesty, and hearty, just like your favorite Tex Mex delight! Thanks to some cheese-flavored tortilla chips, Easy Taco Casserole even provides that distinct crunch that makes a taco. Filled with melted cheese, juicy beef, and tangy salsa, this dish has all the flavors you could want in your dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) jar salsa, of your choice
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- tortilla chips, optional, for topping, to taste
- tomatoes, optional, for topping, to taste
- cilantro, optional, for topping, to taste scallions, optional, for topping, to taste
- avocado, optional, for topping, to taste
- black olives, optional, for topping, to taste
- sour cream, optional, for topping to taste
- iceberg lettuce, optional, for topping, to taste
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and move the rack to the middle position.
Step 2 –Add the oil and ground beef to a skillet. Cook for 5 minutes over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as you go.
Step 3 –Stir in the onion, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin.
Step 4 –Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
Step 5 –Meanwhile, add the crushed cheese-flavored chips in an even layer to the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 6 –Drain the skillet of any excess fat.
Step 7 –Stir in the beans, corn, salsa, and half the cheese.
Step 8 –Let it warm through until the cheese melts.
Step 9 –Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the cheese-flavored tortillas.
Step 10 –Top the casserole with the remaining cheese. Bake until warmed through and the cheese is melty, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 11 –Serve the casserole as-is or with your favorite toppings.
