Description
This easy taco casserole combines seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crunchy Fritos for a fun, flavorful twist on taco night. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz/28g) taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can of corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz/300g) can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), drained
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 4 cups (120g) Fritos corn chips
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, green onions, salsa, or guacamole
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, corn, Rotel, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the Fritos evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the beef mixture over the Fritos and spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining Fritos and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with your favorite taco toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or guacamole.
Notes
- For extra spice, use hot Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing the beef with black beans or pinto beans.