Description
This Easy Taco Bake Recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese layered with crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection and can be customized with your favorite taco toppings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and sure to become a repeat favorite.
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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is fully browned and onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup of water into the cooked beef mixture. Continue cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
- Mix Beans, Corn, and Salsa: Add the rinsed and drained black beans, corn kernels, and salsa to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a flavorful beef mixture.
- First Layer: Place half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Second Layer: Repeat by layering the remaining crushed tortilla chips, the rest of the beef mixture, and finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and 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, or diced tomatoes to add freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips if you require a gluten-free dish.
- Feel free to add diced bell peppers or jalapeños into the beef mixture for extra heat and texture.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
