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Baked Taco Casserole Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish
Looking for a dish that combines all the flavors you love in a taco with the convenience of a casserole? This Baked Taco Casserole is the perfect solution. It’s loaded with seasoned meat, melty cheese, and topped with fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes, offering the best of both worlds—comfort food with a fresh, crispy finish. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- For the base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa (choose your spice level)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 bag of tortilla chips (crushed) or 8 flour tortillas (cut into strips)
- For the toppings:
- 1 cup chopped lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- 1-2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (for an extra kick, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. - Prepare the taco meat:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Stir well, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is fully incorporated. Add the black beans and salsa, mixing thoroughly. Remove from heat. - Layer the casserole:
In a 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips along the bottom. Spoon the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese generously over the meat layer. - Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. - Top with fresh ingredients:
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, generously sprinkle the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on top. Add additional toppings like avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños, if desired. - Serve and enjoy:
Serve the taco casserole hot, with extra tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side. It’s perfect with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole!
Recipe Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. You can also make this vegetarian by using plant-based meat or adding extra beans and veggies like bell peppers or corn.
- Spice Level: If you love extra heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. On the other hand, you can keep it mild by using a mild salsa.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This casserole can be prepped a day ahead and refrigerated before baking. Simply follow all steps up to the baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. When ready, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a meal ready in no time!
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this casserole with sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a zesty corn salad for a complete Tex-Mex inspired meal. Leftovers are perfect for reheating the next day, or even stuffing into soft tortillas for a quick taco-style wrap.
This taco casserole is the ultimate combination of hearty, cheesy, and fresh. It’s the perfect way to bring taco night to the next level with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a gathering, this baked dish will be a guaranteed hit!
Let me know if you’d like to make any adjustments or try a different variation of the recipe!
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