Description
Looking for a quick and comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor? Easy Taco Casserole brings all your favorite taco ingredients into one cheesy, crunchy, and satisfying dish. This one-skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground chuck
- 1 (1-ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped, divided
- 2 cups mild chunky salsa
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups sturdy tortilla chips (about 3 1/2 ounces)
- 4 ounces pre-shredded Mexican 3-cheese blend (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/3 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler
Preheat the oven to broil, positioning the rack about 8 inches from the heat source. - Cook the Beef
Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, taco seasoning, and about 1 cup of the chopped onion. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is browned and the onion turns translucent, about 6–7 minutes. Do not drain the mixture. - Add Salsa and Beans
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the salsa and black beans. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld. - Build the Casserole
Gently fold in the tortilla chips until they’re evenly coated with the beef mixture. - Broil the Casserole
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Add Toppings and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven. Top the casserole with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and the remaining diced onion. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chip Selection: Use sturdy tortilla chips to ensure they hold up in the casserole and don’t become overly soggy.
- Spice Level: For a spicier casserole, use medium or hot salsa, or add diced jalapeños.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat, add chips and cheese, and broil as directed.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Broil
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired