Description
Hearty Taco Casserole delights dinner tables with layers of Mexican-inspired comfort. Crunchy Fritos, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
Corn and Tomato Mixture:
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can of corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz/300g) can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), drained
Seasoning and Dairy Components:
- 1 packet (1 oz/28g) taco seasoning mix
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
Crunchy Topping:
- 4 cups (120g) Fritos corn chips
Optional Toppings:
- diced tomatoes
- shredded lettuce
- sliced jalapenos
- green onions
- salsa
- guacamole
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium flame and crumble ground beef, cooking until it loses its pink color and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Eliminate excess grease by draining the meat, then introduce taco seasoning and recommended liquid, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Allow the meat mixture to simmer gently, reducing moisture and concentrating the robust seasoning profile until the sauce reaches a thick, clingy consistency.
- Transfer the seasoned beef to a prepared baking dish, creating an even foundational layer that will anchor the casserole’s structural integrity.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of crushed Fritos across the meat, ensuring complete coverage to create a crunchy, golden-brown topping.
- Distribute shredded cheese uniformly over the Fritos, allowing it to melt and form a luxurious, binding layer during baking.
- Carefully slide the assembled casserole into a preheated oven, baking until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, slightly crisp golden blanket.
- Once removed from the oven, let the casserole rest momentarily to stabilize its structure and intensify its flavor profile.
- Garnish with optional toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro to introduce vibrant color and additional textural contrast.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish versatile.
- Crush Fritos just before adding to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess during baking.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling layers and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg