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Easy Taco Casserole

This Easy Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, blending seasoned ground beef with a crunchy layer of Doritos. It is a simple, flavor-packed meal that brings the best of taco night into one convenient baking dish that the whole family will request again and again.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef 90% lean recommended
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cups crushed Doritos Nacho Cheese flavor is a classic choice
  • 1 can black beans 14 ounce, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn 12 ounce, drained
  • 1 jar salsa 15.5 ounce, your favorite variety
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese, divided
Optional toppings
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • cilantro
  • scallions
  • avocado
  • black olives
  • sour cream
  • shredded lettuce

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure the oven rack is moved to the middle position for even cooking.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up into small crumbles with a meat chopper or wooden spoon.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound lean ground beef
  3. Stir in the chopped onion, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Spoon out and discard any excess fat from the skillet.
    1/2 medium onion, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  4. While the meat cooks, spread the crushed Doritos in an even layer across the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
    2 cups crushed Doritos
  5. Stir the drained black beans, corn, salsa, and half of the shredded cheese into the skillet with the beef. Heat the mixture briefly until the cheese begins to melt and everything is well combined.
    1 can black beans, 1 can corn, 1 jar salsa, 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  6. Spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly over the layer of crushed Doritos in the baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top of the beef mixture. Place the dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
    2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  8. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Add your preferred fresh toppings directly to the casserole or let individuals garnish their own portions.
    Fresh tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, avocado, black olives, sour cream, shredded lettuce

Notes

Drain the fat after browning the beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy and to keep the Doritos from getting soggy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, noting that the chips will lose their crunch.
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