Tortilla the Hun

Beef Taco Casserole with Layered Corn Tortillas, Salsa, and Cheese

50 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerMexican
Herb's take

This beef taco casserole takes everything you love about tacos and bakes it into a bubbling, melty one-pan wonder. You'll master the art of building flavor with a classic Mexican-inspired beef mixture layered over crisped corn tortillas, plus a lesson in why casserole is the original meal prep hack.

Ingredients

Yield
4

Instructions

  1. 01
    Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. 02
    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  3. 03
    Add the ground beef to the skillet. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. 04
    Add minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. 05
    Stir in black beans and 1 cup salsa. Simmer 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and most liquid has evaporated.
  6. 06
    Brush or spray a 9-inch square or similar baking dish with remaining olive oil.
  7. 07
    Cut the corn tortillas into quarters. Layer half of the tortilla pieces in the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping to cover.
  8. 08
    Spoon half the beef mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with half the cheese.
  9. 09
    Repeat with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
  10. 10
    Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup salsa over the top.
  11. 11
    Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  12. 12
    Let casserole rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  13. 13
    Slice and serve warm. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream if desired.

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