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Cheesy Taco Casserole Recipe

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Cheesy Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish made with ground beef, taco seasoning, black beans, salsa, and lots of melted cheese. It’s topped with crushed tortilla chips for crunch and garnished with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro. This easy weeknight meal is a crowd-pleaser for taco lovers! Keywords: cheesy taco casserole, taco casserole, beef casserole, Mexican casserole.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-Tel, undrained)
  • 1½ cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
  • 1½ cups crushed tortilla chips (or 8 small tortillas cut into strips)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce (for topping)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (for topping)
  • Sliced black olives (optional for topping)
  • Chopped cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add taco seasoning and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened.
  • Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips at the bottom.
  • Pour the beef mixture over the chips, spreading it evenly.
  • Top with 1½ cups of shredded cheese.
  • Add another layer of the remaining tortilla chips or strips, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Top with sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives (optional), and chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
  • Add extra toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or hot sauce for added flavor.
  • This casserole is also great for meal prep—reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.

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