Taco Casserole

Here’s a hearty Taco Casserole 🌮🥘 — cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd:

🌮 Taco Casserole

Ingredients (serves 6–8)

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel-style)

• 1 cup salsa

• 2 cups cooked rice OR 1 bag tortilla chips (layered style)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Toppings (optional): sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion until no longer pink. Add garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 more minute.

3. Mix filling: Stir in beans, corn, tomatoes, and salsa. Simmer 5 minutes.

4. Assemble casserole:

   • If using rice → spread rice on bottom of dish, top with beef mixture, then cheese.

   • If using tortilla chips → layer half the chips, half the beef mixture, half the cheese, then repeat.

5. Bake: 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly, cheese fully melted.

6. Serve: Garnish with toppings and enjoy warm!

✨ Variations:

• Make it low-carb by swapping rice/chips with cauliflower rice.

• Add a layer of sour cream or cream cheese between beef and cheese for creaminess.

• Use enchilada sauce instead of salsa for a saucier casserole.

Would you like me to write up a layered “Mexican lasagna” version (with tortillas instead of chips/rice)?