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Taco Casserole Bake with Tortilla Chips - A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 (14–15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 4–5 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for swirling into the filling)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral oil)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sliced green onions, avocado, cilantro, hot sauce, lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the beef and aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, then add ground beef. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add seasoning and liquids: Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to coat. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles and salsa. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Stir in beans and corn: Fold in black beans and corn. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you want a creamier filling, stir in the sour cream now.
  5. Crush the chips: Gently crush tortilla chips by hand. You want bite-size pieces, not fine crumbs. This keeps the texture light and crunchy.
  6. Layer the casserole: Spread half the crushed chips in the baking dish. Spoon half the meat mixture over the chips. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat with remaining chips, meat, and cheese.
  7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake 15–18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges look slightly crisp.
  8. Rest and top: Let it rest 5 minutes so it slices neatly. Add your favorite toppings—shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
  9. Serve: Scoop into bowls or slice into squares. Add hot sauce or extra salsa if you like more heat.