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Casseroles have long been a staple in home cooking, beloved for their convenience, comforting nature, and the way they bring family members together around the dinner table. These one-dish wonders offer a plethora of flavors and textures, making them an easy go-to for busy weeknights. Among the many variations of casseroles, the Cheesy Taco Casserole stands out as a family-friendly favorite that combines the zest of Mexican cuisine with the heartiness of classic comfort food. With its savory layers of seasoned meat, beans, corn, and gooey cheese, this dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly simple to prepare, using ingredients that are often found in most pantries.

Cheesy Taco Casserole

Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner? Try the Cheesy Taco Casserole! This family-friendly dish combines savory ground meat, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and plenty of melty cheese, all layered with tortillas for a satisfying meal everyone will love. Perfect for busy nights, it's customizable for dietary preferences, and makes for great leftovers. Gather your loved ones for a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) sweet kernel corn, drained

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (RoTel or similar)

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup sour cream

1 cup salsa

8 small flour tortillas, cut into quarters

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbly, using a spatula to break it into smaller pieces. Drain off any excess grease.

      Incorporate Seasonings: Add the taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

        Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (including their juice), cooked rice, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

          Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Begin layering by spreading half of the tortilla pieces on the bottom. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the salsa and sour cream. Repeat this layering process with the remaining tortilla pieces, meat mixture, salsa, and sour cream.

            Top with Cheddar Cheese: Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.

              Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

                Garnish & Serve: Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor, if desired. Cut into squares and serve warm, accompanied by extra salsa or sour cream on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 6-8 servings