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Quick & Easy Taco Casserole – Best Comfort Food Recipe

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!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Broiler
  2. Preheat the oven to broil, positioning the rack about 8 inches from the heat source.
  3. Cook the Beef
  4. 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.
  5. Add Salsa and Beans
  6. 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.
  7. Build the Casserole
  8. Gently fold in the tortilla chips until they’re evenly coated with the beef mixture.
  9. Broil the Casserole
  10. 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.
  11. Add Toppings and Serve
  12. 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.

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