Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Beef
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (11 oz) Whole Kernel Corn, drained
- 1 cup Chunky Salsa (mild or medium)
- 4 cups Corn Tortilla Chips, slightly crushed
- 2 cups Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese or Sharp Cheddar
- Optional Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease from the pan to ensure your casserole isn’t oily. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and pour in the water. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. Add the black beans, corn, and chunky salsa to the skillet. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly. This creates a thick, savory base that won’t make the tortilla chips soggy during the baking process.
- Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture over the chips, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef. Top with the remaining crushed chips and the rest of the cheese. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This short resting period helps the layers set so you get a perfect scoop every time. Slice into squares and serve warm. Encourage everyone to pile on their favorite fresh toppings like cool sour cream, crisp lettuce, and zesty cilantro for the full taco experience.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes