Stop assembling tacos and make this taco casserole instead— and leave plenty of room in your bowl for all of the toppings!
I’m not usually one to replace tacos with anything— they are the perfect food— but if you are in the mood to mix it up, this recipe is a fun one!
Taco Casserole
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 8-10
For Dietary Restrictions
Gluten free: this dish is gluten free.
Dairy free: use dairy-free cheese; omit sour cream.
Kids Can Help
wash produce, add spices, open cans, rinse and drain beans, sprinkle cheese
Ingredients
For the casserole:
1 tsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 onion
1 tsp each garlic powder & cumin
½ tsp salt
2 tsp chili powder
1 bell pepper
1 10 oz can diced tomatoes & green chilis (such as Rotel)
1 15 oz can black beans
16 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 9-oz bag blue corn chips
To serve:
Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
1 bunch fresh cilantro
3 roma tomatoes
1 bunch green onions
16 oz sour cream
2 avocados
1 head green cabbage or iceberg lettuce
1 9-oz bag blue corn chips
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2
Wash and peel onion; dice onion and green pepper.Â
Step 3
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking into smaller pieces as it browns.
Step 4
Add diced pepper and onion and sprinkle with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and chili powder. Cook until pepper and onion have softened, about 5 minutes.Â
Step 5
Meanwhile, rinse and drain black beans; drain canned tomatoes. Add to the pan with the beef and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes more until heated through.
Step 6
In a 9x13 (for thinner layers) or 2.5 qt baking dish (for thicker layers), lay half of one bag of tortilla chips in an even layer on the bottom. Top with half of the beef mixture (about 2.5 cups) and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers a second time. Cover and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.
Step 7
While the casserole is baking, prep the toppings: wash and chop the green onion, tomatoes, and cilantro; thinly slice the cabbage/lettuce.
Step 8
When the casserole is ready, allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then assemble bowls with the toppings and enjoy.