If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine and looking for a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for any night of the week, then this Beef and Cheese Taco Casserole is just what you need. Loved by home cooks and Mexican food enthusiasts alike, this casserole combines all the delicious flavors of a classic taco in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Before you get started, gather these ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Onion, Garlic, and Taco Seasoning
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Mix in Salsa, Beans, and Corn
Stir in the salsa, black beans, and corn. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, layer half of the tortilla quarters to cover the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
6. Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
Tips and Tricks
- Seasoning Adjustments: If you like your food spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap out the black beans for pinto beans or refried beans.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pepper Jack or even a Mexican cheese blend.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Personalize your Beef and Cheese Taco Casserole with your favorite toppings:
- A dollop of sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado slices for a creamy texture
Pair your casserole with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh garden salad to complete the meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Have leftovers? No problem! Store your Beef and Cheese Taco Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Conclusion
There you have it! An easy, delicious Beef and Cheese Taco Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. We'd love to hear how your casserole turned out and any tweaks you made to the recipe. Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below. Enjoy!
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