Description
This Easy Taco Bake is a deliciously layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, all stacked between crispy crushed tortilla chips. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, it combines classic taco flavors with comforting baked goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions become soft. Drain any excess fat to keep it from being greasy.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water into the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the seasoning is well incorporated.
- Mix in beans, corn, and salsa: Add the rinsed black beans, corn kernels, and salsa to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Layer chips and beef mixture: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the chips, then scatter 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef layer.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining crushed tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the beef mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top layer.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted fully and is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Cool and garnish: Let the taco bake cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes to enhance the flavors and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier bake, add jalapeños inside the layers or as a topping.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips to make this recipe gluten free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or diced tomatoes inside the beef mixture for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
