Ingredients
🥩 For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade – see below!)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (or diced tomatoes)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
🧀 For the Casserole Layers:
- 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed (or corn tortillas)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
🥑 Toppings (Optional but Recommended!):
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced black olives
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat Filling
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water or broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Mix in the Rotel tomatoes, beans, and corn, stirring until combined. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering:
- Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
- Add half of the meat mixture and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers: the remaining chips, meat mixture, and ending with cheese.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, tomatoes, avocado, green onions, and cilantro.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
How to Store & Reheat
🧊 To Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat:
- Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes OR
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
❄️ To Freeze:
- Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.