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You will need the following items for this tasty meal: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 cup salsa - 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup sliced green onions - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Choosing great ingredients makes a big difference. I suggest using fresh ground beef for best taste. Look for lean beef to keep it healthier. If you use canned beans, rinse them well. This step helps reduce sodium. Fresh salsa adds zing, but jarred salsa works too. The cheese should be sharp cheddar for a bold flavor. I love using homemade tortilla chips. If you have time, make your own. They are crispier and healthier. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch, but it is optional. You can swap ingredients to fit your taste. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer no meat, try lentils or mushrooms instead. For a creamier taste, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also mix different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for extra flavor. If you want more heat, use spicy salsa or add jalapeños. Adjust the toppings as you like; this dish is very flexible! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes cooking easier. 2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven helps the dish cook well. 3. In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it over medium heat. 4. Stir the beef until it is fully browned. Make sure to drain any fat. 5. Next, add the taco seasoning. Mix it well with the beef. 6. Then, add 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of salsa. 7. Cook this mixture for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally to heat it through. 1. Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking. 2. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. This gives a nice crunch. 3. Layer the beef mixture over the tortilla chips. Spread it evenly. 4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef. Cheese adds great flavor. 5. Add the rest of the tortilla chips on top of the cheese layer. 6. Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chips. This adds moisture. 7. Finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Add dollops of sour cream across the top. 1. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil. This helps it cook evenly. 2. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. 3. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. 4. Look for bubbly and golden cheese on top. It’s ready when it looks like this. 5. Once done, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. 6. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal! To boost flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh veggies add crunch and color. Try using fresh tomatoes instead of canned. You can also add jalapeños for heat. If you love cheese, mix different types. Pepper jack adds spice, while mozzarella gives a nice stretch. A squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens the dish. One big mistake is not draining the beef well. Leaving too much fat makes the dish greasy. Another error is overbaking the casserole. Be careful not to dry it out. Also, don't skip the foil cover at first. This keeps moisture in and helps melt the cheese evenly. Finally, avoid skipping the resting time after baking. It helps the layers set and makes serving easier. For quick prep, use precooked beef. You can find it in the store or cook it ahead. Canned beans and corn cut down on chopping time. Use store-bought salsa for a fast flavor boost. If you have leftover tortilla chips, crush them for the layer. Prepare the casserole a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Pro Tips Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content in your casserole, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Customize Your Spice: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning according to your spice preference. You can also add fresh jalapeños for an extra kick! Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for unique flavors and a melty texture. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Start by using a meat substitute. I like to use lentils or cooked quinoa. They add great texture and taste. Replace the ground beef with one cup of cooked lentils. Keep the black beans and corn for extra flavor. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You still layer the tortilla chips, salsa, and cheese. This way, you enjoy a rich, hearty meal without meat. Want more or less heat? Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. For milder flavors, skip the diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also use mild salsa. If you love spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mix. This adds a kick that warms you up. Remember, you can always add more spice. But it's hard to take it out once it's in! Toppings make this casserole even better. Try adding sliced olives for a briny taste. You can use guacamole or diced avocado for creaminess. Chopped fresh cilantro brightens up the dish and adds freshness. You can also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch. Don't forget about pickled jalapeños for a tangy bite. Mix and match these toppings to create your perfect Loaded Taco Beef Casserole. To keep your leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to let the casserole cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you have multiple servings, consider dividing them into smaller portions. This way, you can grab a quick meal later. When you are ready to eat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming. You can freeze the casserole for up to three months. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This stops freezer burn and keeps it tasty. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above. Freezing gives you a quick meal option on busy days. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This casserole pairs well with many sides. Here are my top picks: - Mexican rice: It adds flavor and texture. - Refried beans: A classic choice that complements the meal. - Guacamole: It brings a creamy touch. - Fresh salad: A crisp salad brightens the plate. If you want heat, there are easy ways to spice it up. Consider adding: - Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, they add a nice kick. - Hot sauce: Mix it into the beef or drizzle on top. - Spicy salsa: Swap regular salsa for a hot version. - Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle them on before baking for extra warmth. In this article, I shared how to make a tasty Loaded Taco Beef Casserole. We covered the best ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned about variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions. With this knowledge, you can create a delicious meal that suits your taste. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!

Loaded Taco Beef Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole loaded with taco flavors, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 2 sour cream
  • 1 4 sliced green onions
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.
  • In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom.
  • Layer the beef mixture over the tortilla chips, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
  • Add the remaining tortilla chips on top of the cheese layer.
  • Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies over the top layer of chips.
  • Finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and dollops of sour cream across the surface.
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, taco