Taco Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 pound ground beef, 90% lean (drain excess fat if necessary)
02 -
2 teaspoons olive oil
03 -
2 tablespoons taco seasoning, store-bought or homemade
04 -
3/4 cup salsa or canned diced tomatoes (do not drain liquid)
05 -
1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
06 -
3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and jack mix, or preferred melting cheese)
07 -
10-12 flour or corn tortillas, 6-8 inch size
08 -
Cooking spray
09 -
Optional toppings such as cilantro
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
02 -
Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Stir and cook for 5-6 minutes until partially browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat.
03 -
Add salsa, corn, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy tortillas.
04 -
Place tortillas to cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish, breaking them to fit if necessary. Add half of the beef mixture and then 1/3 of the cheese.
05 -
Add another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and another 1/3 of the cheese. Top with a final layer of tortillas and finish with the remaining cheese.
06 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
07 -
Serve warm with your desired toppings.
# Notes:
01 -
To substitute flour tortillas with tortilla chips, break them into smaller pieces for easier layering.
02 -
The beef mixture can be prepared in advance and assembled just before baking.
03 -
For a low-carb option, swap tortillas for lettuce leaves.