Southwestern Fiesta Taco Casserole

Name: Southwestern Fiesta Taco Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels; 1 cup salsa; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Looking to spice up your dinner routine? This Southwestern Fiesta Taco Casserole brings all the vibrant flavors of a taco night into one comforting, cheesy dish. It's perfect for a quick family meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients for Southwestern Fiesta Taco Casserole

Ground beef forms the hearty base of the casserole, absorbing all those wonderful taco spices. The taco seasoning packs a flavorful punch, making sure every bite is rich and zesty. Black beans add a nice texture and are a great protein boost, while corn kernels bring in a touch of sweetness that balances the flavors nicely.

Salsa acts as a quick sauce, adding moisture and a little kick without any extra work. Sour cream not only adds creaminess but also helps to mellow out the spice a bit. The tortilla chips are the crunchy layer that gives the dish its taco-like feel. Cheddar cheese is your gooey, melty topping that holds everything together beautifully. Finally, black olives and green onions provide a fresh, savory finish that is just perfect.

Tips & Tricks

For added spice, try mixing in a bit of chopped jalapeño with the beef mixture.
If you prefer a lighter version, swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Use a mix of cheeses for an extra layer of flavor—Monterey Jack pairs well with cheddar.
Avoid soggy chips by adding a second layer on top just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal in itself, but you can round it out with a simple side salad or some Mexican-style rice. For a fun twist, serve it with a side of guacamole or fresh pico de gallo to brighten up the flavors even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Yes! You can assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What if I don't have tortilla chips?: No worries, you can use crushed corn tortillas or even a layer of cooked rice as a base.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?: Absolutely. Freeze it unbaked, then bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Southwestern Fiesta Taco Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it'll be ready to go by the time you assemble everything. Now, grab a large skillet and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook it until it's nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as you go.

Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Let it all simmer together for about five minutes. This short simmer allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

In a large baking dish, start layering the casserole. Spread out the crushed tortilla chips first, then pour over the beef mixture. Dollop the sour cream evenly across the top, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese.

Finish it off by scattering the black olives and green onions on top. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for about five minutes before serving—this makes it easier to cut and serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines the best of tacos and casseroles into one dish.
Quick to prepare and great for busy weeknights.
Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Offers a customizable base for adding your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels

1 cup salsa

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups tortilla chips, crushed

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup sliced black olives

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, salt, and pepper, cooking until browned.

3. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. In a large baking dish, layer crushed tortilla chips, beef mixture, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.

5. Top with black olives and green onions.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve.

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