Taco Casserole

## **Instructions**

### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

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### **2. Cook the Ground Beef:**
– In a large skillet, heat **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **diced onion** and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
– Add the **ground beef** (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
– Stir in the **taco seasoning mix** (or homemade seasoning) along with a little water (as instructed on the seasoning packet), and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the meat is fully coated with the seasoning and the mixture thickens.

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### **3. Prepare the Casserole Layer:**
– To the skillet, add the **black beans**, **corn**, and **diced tomatoes**. Stir well to combine.
– Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside for a moment.
– In a separate bowl, mix together the **sour cream** with about half of the shredded cheese. This will create a creamy layer in the casserole.

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### **4. Assemble the Casserole:**
– Layer the bottom of your prepared baking dish with a handful of **tortilla chips** (you don’t need to use a whole bag—just enough to cover the bottom).
– Spoon the ground beef and vegetable mixture over the chips, spreading it evenly.
– Add the sour cream and cheese mixture on top, smoothing it out to cover the beef layer.
– Sprinkle the remaining shredded **cheese** evenly over the top.

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### **5. Bake the Casserole:**
– Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about **20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the casserole are slightly golden.
– Optional: If you want a little extra crunch, you can place the casserole under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

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### **6. Add the Finishing Touches:**
– Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make slicing easier.
– Top with any optional toppings such as **shredded lettuce**, **diced tomatoes**, **cilantro**, a dollop of **sour cream**, **salsa**, or **guacamole**.

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## **Serving Suggestions**

While Taco Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, here are a few sides and accompaniments that pair beautifully with this dish:

– **Mexican Rice:** Fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro complements the bold flavors of the casserole.
– **Refried Beans:** Serve a scoop of creamy refried beans on the side for a classic Mexican combo.
– **Cornbread:** Sweet, fluffy cornbread is the perfect pairing to balance the savory, cheesy casserole.
– **Chips and Salsa:** If you’re craving something crunchy, serve tortilla chips with your favorite salsa for dipping.

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## **Tips for Success**

🌟 **Customize the Protein**: Swap the ground beef for **ground chicken**, **turkey**, or even **ground pork** to suit your preferences. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat entirely and use extra beans, sautéed veggies, or **plant-based meat crumbles**.
🌟 **Make It Spicy**: If you like a bit of heat, add **jalapeños** to the meat mixture or sprinkle some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce into the sour cream layer.
🌟 **Cheese Options**: While **cheddar** and **Mexican blend cheese** are the classics, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like **Monterey Jack**, **Pepper Jack** (for a little heat), or **Queso Fresco** for a milder taste.
🌟 **Add Extra Veggies**: You can mix in additional veggies like **bell peppers**, **zucchini**, or **spinach** into the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
🌟 **Meal Prep**: Taco casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the casserole a day or two before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

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## **Why This Recipe Works**

Taco Casserole brings together all the best elements of tacos in a warm, cheesy casserole that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The **seasoned ground beef**, **beans**, and **corn** create a hearty, flavorful base, while the **tortilla chips** add crunch and texture. The **cheese** is, of course, the star—melting into the casserole and bringing everything together in a gooey, comforting way.

What makes this recipe even better is its **customizability**. Whether you want a spicier kick, a vegetarian twist, or a protein swap, you can make it exactly to your liking. Plus, with simple ingredients that are easy to find, Taco Casserole is a fantastic go-to meal for busy nights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

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## **Final Thoughts**

**Taco Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—taking the best parts of tacos and turning them into a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking for a quick and easy meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and endlessly customizable, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

So next time you’re in the mood for a taco-inspired feast, give this **Taco Casserole** a try. It’s cheesy, comforting, and bursting with all the classic taco flavors you crave.

Enjoy! 🌮🧀🍽