Taco Casserole with Tortillas

Name: Taco Casserole with Tortillas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning mix; 1/2 cup water; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can corn, drained; 1 can diced tomatoes (10 oz); 1 cup salsa; 6 small flour tortillas, cut into halves or quarters; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro

Isabella

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Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for taco night? This Taco Casserole with Tortillas is the answer! Layered with seasoned ground beef, tortillas, black beans, corn, and plenty of cheese, it’s a hearty, cheesy dish your family will love. This recipe is simple to make and customizable with your favorite toppings, making it an easy meal for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning mix

1/2 cup water

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn, drained

6 small flour tortillas, cut into halves or quarters

1 can diced tomatoes (10 oz)

1 cup salsa

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning mix and water. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Prepare the Filling: Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa, and mix everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, so all the flavors meld together.

Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by layering the bottom with tortilla pieces, covering it evenly. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese. Repeat the process with another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining beef mixture, and top with the final cup of cheese.

Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Garnish with your choice of toppings, such as chopped green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Slice and serve warm!

Serving Tips:

Toppings: Serve the casserole with a variety of optional toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or even guacamole to elevate the flavor and allow everyone to customize their servings.

Side Dishes: Pair this casserole with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Family Style: Serve the casserole in the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal, allowing everyone to scoop out their portion.

Portion Size: This casserole makes approximately 6 servings, but you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd or ensure you have leftovers for the next day.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Taco Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Freezing: If you have extra casserole, you can freeze it for later. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: When reheating, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power.

Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Related Recipes:

Taco Pasta Salad

FAQs:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Simply cook the meat the same way, adding the taco seasoning and other ingredients as instructed.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. When ready, bake as directed.

Can I use different types of tortillas?

Yes, you can swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas may break apart a bit more easily during layering, but they’ll still taste delicious!

Is Taco Casserole with Tortillas gluten-free?

This recipe as written is not gluten-free because it uses flour tortillas. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas instead. Be sure to check the taco seasoning and salsa labels as well to ensure they are gluten-free.