**Beef Taco Casserole: A Delicious Spin on Taco Evening**
Taco evening is a cherished custom in various homes, presenting a delightful mix of tastes and textures. For those who desire a simple yet tasty option, the Beef Taco Casserole stands out as an excellent selection. This recipe merges all the traditional taco tastes into one, fulfilling casserole, featuring layers of crispy tortilla chips, a robust taco beef, bean and corn mixture, alongside a generous layer of melted cheese.
**Ingredients:**
*For the taco mixture:*
– 2 pounds lean ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups enchilada sauce
– 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies (optional)
– 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
– Salt and pepper to taste
*For the casserole:*
– 6 ounces tortilla chips
– 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey jack)
**Directions:**
*For the taco mixture:*
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef, onion, and pepper, breaking the beef into pieces as it browns, for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and taco seasoning, cooking until aromatic, about one minute.
3. Incorporate the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, and beans. Stir, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Fold in the corn and season with salt and pepper according to preference, then turn off the heat.
*For the casserole:*
1. In an 8×13 inch baking dish, arrange half of the tortilla chips, half of the cheese, three-quarters of the beef mixture, the remaining tortilla chips, beef sauce, and cheese.
2. Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until sides are bubbling and cheese is melted, roughly 20-30 minutes.
**Notes:**
– If using lean ground beef, cook the onion and pepper with the beef. For medium ground beef, brown the beef first and drain excess fat before sautéing the onion and pepper in 1 tablespoon oil.
– Optional ingredients include chopped zucchini, Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce.
– Garnish with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, diced avocado, guacamole, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, salsa, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce.
**Nutrition Facts:**
– Calories: 560
– Fat: 39g (Saturated 15g, Trans 1g)
– Cholesterol: 113mg
– Sodium: 1172mg
– Carbs: 42g (Fiber 8g, Sugars 9g)
– Protein: 34g
This Beef Taco Casserole is a quick and convenient meal ideal for hectic evenings. The taco beef sauce can be made in advance, adding to the ease of preparing this dish. Savor the rich, savory essence of taco evening in a cozy casserole format.