Description
A comforting, one-pan self-care dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, salsa, black beans, and crushed tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar cheese. It is easy to make, forgiving for tired evenings, and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) taco seasoning
- 1.5 cups (360ml) medium salsa
- 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 cups (90g) sturdy tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 0.5 cup (120g) sour cream
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and liquid has evaporated. Drain excess grease if necessary, but leave some for flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat. Add salsa and drained black beans. Mix well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the salsa bubbles and thickens slightly.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the beef and salsa mixture over the cheese in the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the crushed tortilla chips over the top and gently press down.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining shredded cheese and remaining crushed chips on top.
- Return to oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and chips are golden and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow it to set.
- Stir sour cream gently into the top layer. Sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
For best results, shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Crush tortilla chips by hand for better texture than pre-crushed bags. If the casserole seems dry before baking, add a splash of beef broth or extra salsa. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow moisture to redistribute and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 25
Keywords: cheesy ground beef taco casserole, self-care dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food, easy dinner, taco casserole, ground beef recipe