Easy Taco Casserole

Get ready to revolutionize taco night! This crowd-pleasing taco casserole combines all your favorite Mexican flavors into one incredibly satisfying dish. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving tacos but want something that can feed the whole family with minimal effort.

Imagine layers of crushed Doritos (yes, you read that right!), seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite taco fixings coming together in one amazing bite. This casserole delivers that perfect balance of crunch, spice, and cheesy goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor)

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Filling:

• 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15.5 ounce) jar salsa
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Optional Toppings:

• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced scallions
• Diced avocado
• Sliced black olives
• Sour cream
• Shredded lettuce

Steps

1. Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even cooking without burning the chips.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it into small, even pieces with a wooden spoon. The meat should be mostly browned with no pink spots remaining.
3. Add onion and seasonings (chili powder, garlic powder, cumin). Cook for another 5 minutes until onions are translucent and beef is fully cooked. The mixture should be fragrant and well-combined.
4. Create the base layer by evenly spreading crushed Doritos in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Ensure coverage is uniform to prevent soggy spots.
5. Drain excess fat from skillet if needed (leave about 1 tablespoon for flavor). Add beans, corn, salsa, and 1 cup of cheese. Stir until cheese melts and mixture is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Layer the beef mixture evenly over the Doritos base. Top with remaining 1 cup cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is completely melted and edges are bubbling. Watch carefully after 15 minutes to prevent cheese from browning too much.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly for easier serving.

Smart Swaps

• Use ground turkey instead of beef to reduce fat
• Replace Doritos with crushed tortilla chips for less sodium
• Try black beans only for a vegetarian version

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use low-carb tortilla chips (reduces carbs by 15g per serving)
• Choose sugar-free salsa (saves 4g carbs per serving)
• Increase fiber with extra beans and vegetables
• Portion size: stick to 1 cup serving size (approximately 30g carbs)

Pro Tips

• Crush Doritos in the bag before opening to prevent mess
• Layer ingredients while beef is still hot for better cheese melting
• Prep toppings while casserole bakes for maximum efficiency