This isn’t your average casserole—it’s a bold, cheesy, Tex-Mex inspired dish loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, and a crispy tortilla chip topping! Easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & easy – Ready in under 45 minutes!
✅ Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
✅ Customizable heat – Make it mild or spicy.
✅ Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
✅ Ad-optimized structure – Keeps readers scrolling (and ads loading!).
Ingredients
*(Serves 6-8)*
For the Casserole:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade blend*)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
1 cup (240ml) salsa (mild or hot)
1 cup (240ml) sour cream
2 cups (200g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
For the Topping:
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (extra for gooey goodness!)
Optional garnishes: sliced jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
Homemade taco seasoning: 1 tbsp chili powder + 1 tsp cumin + ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder + ¼ tsp paprika.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat (5 mins!)
Cook ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Drain fat.
Stir in taco seasoning + ¼ cup water, simmer 2 mins.
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2. Layer the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch dish, mix beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream.
Sprinkle with 2 cups cheese.
3. Add the Crunchy Topping
Crush tortilla chips and spread evenly over the casserole.
Top with remaining 1 cup cheese.
4. Bake to Bubbly Perfection
350°F (175°C) for 20-25 mins until cheese is melted and edges are bubbling.
5. Garnish & Serve!
Let cool 5 mins, then add avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
🔥 Use sturdy chips – Doritos or thick tortilla chips hold up best.
🔥 Make it ahead – Assemble (unbaked), refrigerate, then bake +10 mins.
🔥 Extra creamy – Mix 4 oz cream cheese into the beef layer.
5 Flavor Variations
🌶 Spicy Fiesta – Add diced jalapeños + hot salsa.
🍗 Chicken Version – Swap beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
🥑 Guac Lover’s – Swirl in ½ cup guacamole before baking.
🧀 Queso Dip Style – Use queso instead of sour cream.
🌱 Vegetarian – Skip meat, add extra beans + sautéed bell peppers.
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