If you're craving a delicious, hearty meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table, look no further than this Beef Taco Skillet Casserole! This one-dish wonder combines savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and a medley of colorful ingredients, all topped with gooey melted cheese and crispy tortilla strips. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe not only takes just 40 minutes from start to finish but also serves up to 6 hungry mouths. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's as easy to prepare as it is irresistible!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 6 tortillas, cut into strips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef, then return skillet to heat and add taco seasoning packet. Stir to coat meat thoroughly and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add drained black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Mix well and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cut tortillas into 1-inch wide strips using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.
- Layer half of the tortilla strips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.
- Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortilla strips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the entire surface of the mixture.
- Top with remaining tortilla strips, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and tortilla strips are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow casserole to set.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños before serving.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and assemble the casserole when you're ready to bake.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add sliced olives, diced avocados, or a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce to elevate the flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh tomatoes and homemade taco seasoning for an extra burst of flavor. Fresh ingredients can make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the casserole while it's baking. If the cheese is melting but the tortilla strips aren't browning, you can switch the oven to broil for a minute or two—just be careful not to burn them!
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve and ensuring that every slice holds together beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
