Loaded Taco Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Taco Night

Loaded Taco Casserole is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your dinner table. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that everyone in the family will love. With layers of seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a comforting twist on traditional tacos that makes it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Originating from the heart of Tex-Mex culture, the Loaded Taco Casserole has become a beloved staple in many households. Its convenience and versatility allow for endless variations, making it easy to adapt to your family’s preferences. People adore this dish not only for its rich flavors but also for its satisfying crunch and creamy layers that create a delightful eating experience. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or enjoying a cozy night in, Loaded Taco Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot based on preference)
• 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (for topping)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Meat Mixture

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Preparing the Casserole

1. While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. This will create a crunchy base for our casserole.
3. Once the meat mixture is ready, spoon it over the layer of tortilla chips, spreading it out evenly.
4. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the meat mixture. This will help bind everything together and add a delicious cheesy layer.
5. Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the meat mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a cheesy top layer.

Baking the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.

Assembling and Serving

1. While the casserole is resting, prepare your toppings. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with a bit of lime juice and salt for added flavor, if desired.
2. Once the casserole has rested, use a spatula to cut it into squares. Serve each portion on a plate.
3. Top each serving with a dollop of the sour cream mixture, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and black olives if you’re using them.
4. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
5. Enjoy your loaded taco casserole with a side of extra salsa or guacamole for dipping!

Tips and Variations

• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
• For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the meat mixture or use

  Conclusion:

  In summary, this Loaded Taco Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to bring a burst of flavor and comfort to their dinner table. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, zesty taco flavors, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms the heart. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based protein for a healthier twist. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to elevate the dish even further. I encourage you to give this Loaded Taco Casserole a shot and make it your own. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, I promise it will be a hit. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with! I’d love to hear how you made this recipe uniquely yours. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret diving into this deliciously satisfying casserole. Print
  

  Loaded Taco Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Taco Night

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  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

  Print Recipe

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  Description

  This Loaded Taco Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef (or turkey), black beans, corn, and cheese, all topped with crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s finished with fresh toppings for a burst of flavor.

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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  Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom.
  8. Once the meat mixture is ready, spoon it over the layer of tortilla chips, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the meat mixture.
  10. Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the meat mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese.
  11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  12. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  13. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
  14. While the casserole is resting, prepare your toppings. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with a bit of lime juice and salt for added flavor, if desired.
  15. Once the casserole has rested, use a spatula to cut it into squares. Serve each portion on a plate.
  16. Top each serving with a dollop of the sour cream mixture, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and black olives if you’re using them.
  17. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
  18. Enjoy your loaded taco casserole with a side of extra salsa or guacamole for dipping!

  Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, replace the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
  • For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the meat mixture or use spicy salsa.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes