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Crispy Loaded Beef Taco Casserole

crispy loaded beef taco casserole - featured image
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A cozy Mexican-inspired casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy tortillas, and melted cheese, perfect for easy weeknight meals or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade blend (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
  • Optional: 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Optional: 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: Jalapeños or pickled peppers
  • Optional: Sour cream or guacamole for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce or salsa. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Cut tortillas into quarters. Optionally, lightly toast them in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes per side for extra crispiness.
  6. In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, layer a thin layer of beef mixture, sprinkle some cheese, then arrange tortilla pieces overlapping slightly. Repeat layers ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and tortilla edges are golden and crisp. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like jalapeños or sour cream.

Notes

Use a cast iron skillet for best crispy edges. Avoid too much moisture to keep tortillas crispy. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. Optional broil for last 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning. Assemble ahead and refrigerate for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, taco casserole, Mexican casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, crispy casserole, loaded casserole

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-loaded-beef-taco-casserole-recipe-easy-perfect-cozy-mexican-night-meal/