Introduction
This Cheesy Taco Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla chips are topped with fresh vegetables and creamy sour cream for a flavorful, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced green bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 bag tortilla chips (crushed slightly)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/2 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instruction
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and a splash of water; cook until thickened.
- Stir in corn, bell peppers, and onions.
Method
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips.
- Spread the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef.
- Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, lettuce, and dollops of sour cream.
Benefits
- High in protein from the beef and cheese.
- Includes vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and tomatoes for vitamins and fiber.
- Fun and customizable for picky eaters.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
Tips
- Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and reduced-fat cheese.
- Add black beans or salsa for extra texture and taste.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Taco Casserole is simple to make, hearty, and delicious. Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it brings the flavors of a taco night into a convenient, baked dish.