Description
This easy taco casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender ground beef seasoned with classic taco spices, layered over a crunchy base of crushed Doritos, and topped with melted Mexican cheese blend. Perfect for busy families seeking a quick, satisfying meal, it combines the best taco flavors with a simple bake in the oven.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor recommended)
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15.5 ounce) jar salsa, use your favorite kind
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar), divided
Optional Toppings
- Chopped tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Scallions
- Avocado
- Black olives
- Sour cream
- Lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking of the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Add Seasonings and Onion: Stir in 1/2 medium chopped onion, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and flavors meld.
- Prepare Casserole Base: Evenly spread 2 cups of crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos in the bottom of a 9×13 (or similar size) casserole dish to create a crunchy base layer.
- Combine Beans, Corn, Salsa, and Cheese: If excess fat is in the skillet with the beef mixture, spoon most of it out. Then stir in 1 (14 oz) can drained and rinsed black beans, 1 (12 oz) can drained corn, 1 (15.5 oz) jar salsa, and half of the shredded cheese (1 cup). Heat gently until the cheese melts and the mixture is warm.
- Assemble Casserole: Spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly over the crushed Doritos in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese (1 cup) evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is nicely melted and bubbly.
- Prepare Toppings and Serve: While the casserole bakes, prep any desired toppings such as tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, avocado, black olives, sour cream, or lettuce. Serve the casserole hot, topped with your favorite garnishes.
Notes
- You can substitute Doritos with any of your favorite flavored tortilla chips for different taste variations.
- For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground turkey in place of beef.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
