Description
This Easy Taco Bake recipe is a delicious, hearty casserole perfect for a weeknight meal. Combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and layers of crunchy tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy. Simple to prepare and bake, this recipe is great for busy days and is perfect for serving at casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
Seasonings and Condiments
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
Dairy and Chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup of water. Cook this mixture until it thickens, ensuring the flavors are well combined.
- Combine Beans, Corn, and Salsa: Add the rinsed black beans, corn kernels, and salsa to the skillet. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips as the first layer. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, the rest of the beef mixture, and finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the taco bake to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños into the beef mixture before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
