Description
A delicious, family-friendly casserole that transforms the classic walking taco into a hearty meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and crunchy corn chips create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (680g)
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced (from 1/2 yellow onion) (130g)
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
- 1 cup mild salsa (260g)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120g)
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 oz/170g)
- 2 cups Frito corn chips (80g)
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (55g)
- 1/2 cup diced tomato or halved cherry tomatoes (180g)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (5g)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and achieves the perfect melty cheese topping. - Cook the Meat Base
Place a skillet or cast iron pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until no more pink remains and the onions are translucent. If there is a lot of fat in the skillet, drain most of it with a spoon. - Add Flavor Components
Add the black beans, salsa, sour cream, and taco seasoning to the meat mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together. - Prepare for Baking
If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the ground beef mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish or 7×11-inch baking dish. - Layer the Toppings
Top the meat mixture with 1 cup of the cheese, spreading it evenly. Next, sprinkle the corn chips over the cheese layer. Finally, top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese to create a delicious melty crust. - Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the edges are bubbly. - Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Before serving, top with your desired toppings such as sour cream, shredded lettuce, sliced avocados, diced tomatoes, jalapeño, pickled onions, fresh cilantro, or black olives. Serve immediately while the casserole is still hot and the chips maintain some crunch.
Notes
- For those with celiac disease or on a gluten-free diet, double-check all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
- Many commercial taco seasoning packets contain gluten. Look for specifically labeled gluten-free varieties or make your own homemade blend with basic spices.
- For best texture, serve immediately after adding toppings to keep the chips crunchy.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time up to the baking step. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the chips will soften over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
