Spice Up Dinner with Mouthwatering Fiesta Taco Casserole
Located in the heart of Mexico, tacos are by far one of my favorite meals. With their flavorful and versatile ingredients, it’s no surprise that tacos have become an international sensation. While there are many varieties of taco dishes out there, I am particularly excited to share with you my Fiesta Taco Casserole Recipe.
This dish is perfect for anyone who loves the spicy goodness of a fiesta taco, but with the added convenience and heartiness of a casserole recipe. Not only is this meal delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly and incredibly easy to make.
So why not spice up your next dinner party or family meal with this Mexican fiesta in a pan? With ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese, lean ground beef or turkey, black beans, whole kernel corn, and cilantro, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fiesta taco casserole recipe is sure to become your new go-to dish for any occasion. Allow me to convince you why. First and foremost, it’s packed with delectable ingredients that are guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. You’ll find sharp cheddar cheese, black beans, whole kernel corn, cilantro, water, lean ground beef, and sour cream in this dish. These ingredients come together harmoniously to create a medley of flavors that will have you savoring every last bite.
Not only is this recipe flavorful, but it’s also easy to make. You won’t need any fancy cooking skills or gadgets to whip up this meal. You’ll simply need a baking dish, skillet, and oven – the essentials you likely already have on hand.
What’s more, this fiesta taco casserole recipe is perfect for serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. One batch yields multiple hearty servings. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Lastly, this dish is great for those watching their carb intake as it substitutes tortilla chips with coarsely broken ones- which still maintains the crunch factor
So what are you waiting for? Give this fiesta taco casserole recipe a try! You’re sure to love it just as much as I do!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this zesty Fiesta Taco Casserole Recipe:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup water
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) spicy chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 jar (16 oz) chunky salsa
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups coarsely broken tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro, to taste
The Recipe How-To
Here’s where the magic happens, folks. Ready to make this fiesta taco casserole come to life? Let’s get started.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans [undrained]
- 1 can (15 oz.) fiesta chili beans, or any other spicy chili bean of your choice [undrained]
- 1 can (8 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 cups chunky salsa
- 3/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cups coarsely broken tortilla chips
- 1-1/4 cups of water
- Taco seasoning – either a packet or homemade seasoning
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Sour cream for garnish
Directions:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the ground beef until it is browned and crumbly. Add in the taco seasoning along with water according to the package directions. Then mix in both cans of undrained beans, drained corn and chunky salsa in the meat mixture.
Step 3:
Stirring occasionally, let that mixture simmer for around five minutes up until it bubbles up.
Step 4:
In the pre-greased baking dish, lay out four tortillas, spreading them evenly on top with some spoonfuls of salsa mixed in with an almost equal beef amount (half the meat mixture) and half the cilantro topping; sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese atop.
Step 5:
Add another layer, using four additional tortillas, salsa spooned on top of each (about half of what remains) followed by remaining beef mixture as well as slightly more than half cilantro and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Step 6:
For the final step layer it all up with four remaining tortillas, spooning rest of salsa on top of each which consists of black fiesta beans along with two cuts tortilla chips along with some extra cheddar cheese topping.
Step 7:
Bake for around 20 minutes between layers or until everything is thoroughly cooked and cheese has fully melted into an incomparable gooeyness.
Get ready for a Mexican fiesta in your mouth! Once cooled slightly, serve your fiesta taco casserole hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to put your personal twist on this fiesta taco casserole recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try.
Firstly, if you prefer turkey over beef, feel free to swap out the lean ground beef for ground turkey. This will make the recipe even lower in fat, while still providing plenty of protein.
For a vegetarian-friendly version, consider omitting the meat entirely and adding more beans or even tofu. Black beans, refried beans, or even lentils would work well in this dish.
Looking for a low-carb option? Skip the tortilla chips and replace them with riced cauliflower or chopped veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also swap out the salsa for a low-carb version or homemade salsa made with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add some extra spices to amp up the heat level of the casserole. Jalapenos, chipotle powder or chili flakes would complement this dish nicely.
Finally, if you want to elevate your fiesta casserole into a full Mexican feast, try serving it up with some fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, or some lime wedges for added zest.
Serving and Pairing
It’s fiesta time! After all the hard work of preparing this delicious Fiesta Taco Casserole, it’s time to reap the rewards. This taco casserole recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it an ideal dish for a potluck or game day gathering. It can also be served as a satisfying main course for a weeknight dinner with the family.
To serve this casserole in style, I recommend pairing it with some fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream. You can also sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the top to give it an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
As for what to serve alongside the Fiesta Taco Casserole, you can’t go wrong with some Mexican-inspired sides. My personal favorites are refried beans and Spanish rice, but you could also add some corn on the cob or a simple green salad to balance out the flavors.
To complete the meal, consider serving up some frosty margaritas or cold beer. The salty tang of a margarita perfectly complements the spicy kick of this taco casserole, while a beer can help cool off any lingering heat from the spicy chili beans.
Whatever you decide to pair with this irresistible Fiesta Taco Casserole, be sure to have plenty on hand – it’ll be sure to disappear quickly!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about the make-ahead, storing and reheating tips for this Fiesta Taco Casserole. One good thing about this recipe is that you can easily prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
You can make this casserole a day or two before serving it, just be sure to cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. If you’re planning to freeze it, then wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When reheating the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the covered dish in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top before reheating for an extra cheesy topping.
If you have leftover casserole after enjoying a delicious meal, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat it properly before consuming.
In addition, you can also try freezing individual servings of this taco bake for easy meal prep during the week. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw out one serving overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Remember that when storing cooked ground beef dishes like this Fiesta Taco Casserole, it’s important to follow food safety recommendations and avoid leaving food at room temperature for long periods of time as harmful bacteria can develop.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your Fiesta Taco Casserole comes out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
1. Don’t overcook the ground beef: When browning the lean ground beef for this recipe, be sure to cook it just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking can make the beef dry and tough.
2. Drain excess grease: Drain off any excess grease from the cooked beef before adding it to the casserole. This will keep the final dish from being too greasy.
3. Use high-quality salsa: Use a good quality salsa with plenty of chunky vegetables for maximum flavor. Avoid using watery or overly sweet salsas.
4. Layer evenly: When layering the casserole, be sure to distribute the ingredients as evenly as possible for consistent flavor in each bite.
5. Cover while baking: To prevent the cheese on top from burning, cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the first 20-30 minutes of baking.
6. Let it rest before serving: Once the casserole is finished baking, let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow it to set and make for easier serving.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro: Add a pop of bright, fresh flavor by garnishing your fiesta taco bake with chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Follow these tips and you’ll have a delicious Fiesta Taco Casserole that your friends and family will love!
FAQ
Before concluding, let me answer some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Fiesta Taco Casserole recipe. So, roll with the flow and read on to get all your doubts cleared up.
How many carbs are in Taco Casserole?
In this recipe, we’ll be making a flavorful Mexican casserole using some ground beef, tasty tomato sauce, melted cheese, taco seasonings, and crunchy corn chips for an extra kick. One serving of this delicious Frito pie (1 cup) contains about 14.7g total carbohydrates, 13g net carbs, 23.2g fat, 17.4g protein, and 337 calories.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Fiesta Taco Casserole recipe is a great addition to your arsenal of dinner recipes. It’s perfect for those who love Mexican fiesta flavors and want a dish that’s both easy to make and delicious. This casserole recipe is sure to please everyone at the dinner table!
Not to mention, with the option for substitutions and variations, you can customize this recipe to your liking. From using ground turkey instead of beef to adding in extra veggies, there are endless possibilities for making this dish your own.
And let’s not forget about the convenience of being able to make this casserole ahead of time and store it for later. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests.
So go ahead, give this tasty recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed. Just remember to follow the tips and recommendations provided in this article for perfect results every time. Happy cooking!
Fiesta Taco Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) bag Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in large skillet on medium heat, drain,then add taco seasoning,2/3 cup water,and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
- While ground beef is cooking, sprinkle hash browns into a casserole dish and spread 1/2 cup sour cream over hash browns. Then sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese over the sour cream.
- Cover with the ground beef mixture,then add the black beans and corn. Bake at 400 degrees,in preheated oven,for 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and serve.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.