Pioneer Woman Taco Casserole Recipe
If you need a quick and delicious dinner, this Pioneer Woman Taco Casserole Recipe is the perfect choice. It is a cheesy, crunchy and savory meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet 1 oz taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 10 oz Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups corn tortilla chips slightly crushed
- 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and avocado
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it is nice and hot. Lightly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Brown the Ground Beef
- Place the ground beef and chopped onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent.
Drain the Fat
- Carefully pour the cooked beef into a colander to remove the excess grease. Return the meat and onion mixture back to the hot skillet on the stove.
Season the Meat
- Add the taco seasoning, minced garlic and water to the beef. Stir well and let it simmer for about three minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Beans and Tomatoes
- Stir in the black beans and the can of Rotel tomatoes. Let the mixture cook for another two minutes so all the flavors begin to blend.
Layer the Chips
- Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a crunchy foundation for your delicious taco casserole layers.
Add the Meat Filling
- Carefully pour the beef and bean mixture over the layer of chips. Use your spoon to spread it out evenly to the corners of the dish.
Add Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the meat. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly.
Add Final Crunch
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining chips on top. Bake for five more minutes so the top layer stays perfectly crisp and warm.
Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for five minutes before slicing into squares. Serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Try different meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this meal.
- Extra veggies: Add a small can of corn or diced bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Use "Hot" taco seasoning or add extra diced jalapeños into the meat mixture.
- Change the base: Use Doritos instead of plain tortilla chips for a bold and cheesy flavor boost.
- Low carb option: Skip the chips and serve the cheesy meat mixture over shredded iceberg lettuce.