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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom.
- Once the meat mixture is ready, spoon it over the layer of tortilla chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the meat mixture.
- Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the meat mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
- 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.
- Once the casserole has rested, use a spatula to cut it into squares. Serve each portion on a plate.
- Top each serving with a dollop of the sour cream mixture, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and black olives if youre using them.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
- 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