Fiesta Taco Tortilla Bake

Fiesta Taco Tortilla Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

Fancy a bit of Mexican inspired comfort food, without the fuss? Ever wondered how to spice up your weeknight dinner ideas ? Honestly, this taco casserole bake with tortillas will have your family cheering! It’s packed with flavour and is ridiculously easy to whip up.

Taco 'Bout a Delicious Dinner!

Let's face it, sometimes you just need something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. This taco bake hits all the right spots.

It’s like a big hug in a dish, guaranteed to bring smiles all around. It's a family friendly casserole .

A Taste of the Southwest in Your Own Kitchen

This delicious dish draws inspiration from classic Southwestern flavours, perfect for a cosy night in. Think Tex-Mex meets comfort food casserole .

This mexican casserole recipe is ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This will yield about 6-8 servings.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Easy Taco Casserole Recipe

One of the best things about this tortilla casserole ? It's a nutritional powerhouse. Ground beef provides a good source of protein.

You can serve it on game night, or any other fun get together. Plus, it's so easy to customize.

Get Ready to Layer Up Some Goodness

To make the taco casserole bake with tortillas , you will need ground beef, onion, taco seasoning, water, black beans, corn, salsa, tortillas, and cheddar cheese.

You can even add your own twist. I reckon, It is going to be a winner dish.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, mate, let's get down to brass tacks! This taco casserole bake with tortillas is super simple. That's what makes it great for a weeknight dinner idea , isn't it? Seriously, even I can make this, and I've set fire to toast before! This comfort food casserole is about to become your new best friend.

Main Players: What You Need

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (US and Metric). Nothing fancy.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound ( 454g ). The 80/20 blend works a treat. Look for beef that's a nice, bright red, not brown or grey.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. Any onion will do!
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet ( 1 ounce/28g ). I prefer low sodium, but you do you!
• Water: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Straight from the tap.
• Black Beans: 1 can ( 15 ounce/425g ), rinsed and drained. Rinsing gets rid of that tinny taste.
• Corn: 1 can ( 15 ounce/425g ), drained. Sweetcorn is the way to go.
• Salsa: 1 jar ( 16 ounce/454g ). Mild, medium, or hot? Totally your call, spicy pal.
• Flour Tortillas: 8-10 (6 inch). Get the soft taco ones!
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups ( 225g ), shredded. Mature cheddar is best, gives it a nice kick.

This ground beef casserole has been a hit in my kitchen with every family member

Seasoning is Key, My Friend!

This easy taco casserole recipe relies on that taco seasoning packet, honestly. It brings all the southwestern casserole vibes. Want a bit more oomph? Add a pinch of cumin.

Got a jalapeño? Dice that baby up and throw it in! It'll make your mexican casserole recipe really sing!

What Kit Do I Need?

Right then, you'll need:

• A large skillet. Any one will do.
• A 9x13 inch baking dish. That's the standard size.
• Measuring cups and spoons. You know, for measuring.
• A spatula. For flipping the beef about.

Don't have a fancy baking dish? A metal roasting pan will do in a pinch. See? This taco bake is all about keeping it real.

You can even pre-mix the seasoned beef in a bowl to make the layering faster! This is why it's one of my top family friendly casserole recipes.

Cooking Method

Prep Steps

Right then, let's get this Fiesta Taco Tortilla Bake show on the road! Honestly, the prep is dead easy. First, chop your onion.

Seriously, just a rough chop will do. Then, get all your ingredients out and ready. This is the essential mise en place, right? Stops you scrambling later.

A top tip for saving time, is get your ground beef out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you start cooking.

This way you get a more even cook. Safety wise? Just be careful with that knife, yeah? We don't want any casualty chefs!

step-by-step Process

Alright, here's the magic:

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Get that heat ready!
2. Brown your ground beef in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion while you're at it. Drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy taco bake .
3. Stir in that packet of taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes till it thickens.
4. Mix in the black beans and corn. Give it another 2 minutes .
5. Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of your baking dish. Don't be stingy!
6. Layer tortillas on the bottom, then half the beef mixture, then half the cheese. Repeat. Easy peasy!
7. Bake for 20- 25 minutes . You want that cheese melted and bubbly, mate!
8. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before cutting. Stops it falling apart.

Pro Tips

Honestly? The key to a wicked taco casserole is not overfilling it. Trust me, soggy casseroles are nobody’s favourite. Oh my gosh! And warm the tortillas slightly before layering them.

Makes them more pliable, you know? And finally, if you want to make this ahead, assemble the casserole but don't bake it.

Cover it tightly and stick it in the fridge. Then, just add 5- 10 minutes to the baking time.

This easy taco casserole recipe isn't just a meal; it's a hug in a dish. Plus, it’s a cracking way to use up leftover ground beef.

So, get cooking and get ready for some comfort food casserole goodness. I'm telling ya, it's going to be on your regular weeknight dinner ideas list in no time.

This southwestern casserole will become your new obsession.

Okay, let's talk about jazzing up this fiesta taco tortilla bake ! We've got the basics down, but like any good recipe, there's room for a little personal flair.

Here’s the lowdown to make this dish your own.

Recipe Notes: Making It Your Taco Casserole

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Presentation On!

Honestly, presentation matters, right? For plating this taco casserole , I like to go rustic. Think big, generous slices served straight from the baking dish that's the comfort food casserole vibe we're after.

A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and maybe a wedge of lime brighten things up. For sides, consider Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad to add some freshness to this southwestern casserole .

Margaritas or ice-cold beers are always a hit. You know, fiesta vibes!

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers? Score! This taco bake keeps beautifully.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in cling film and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Microwave until heated through. For a crispier top, pop it under the grill for a few minutes.

Variations: Tweak It to Your Taste

Fancy a change? No worries! This easy taco casserole recipe is super versatile.

• Dietary Adaptation: To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour ones. Vegetarian? Swap the ground beef casserole filling for a mix of black beans, sweetcorn, and butternut squash.
• Seasonal Swap: In the summer, add some chopped tomatoes and fresh corn kernels to the filling. Winter? Roasted sweet potatoes bring a lovely sweetness.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

So, let's talk numbers! One serving of this mexican casserole recipe is roughly 425 calories, with a good amount of protein and fibre.

It's a hearty meal, perfect for filling up after a long day. Plus, you're getting vitamins and minerals from the beans, corn, and veggies.

Just remember, cheese and sour cream can add extra calories, so go easy if you're watching your intake.

Honestly, this taco casserole bake with tortillas is such a winner, especially as a part of weeknight dinner ideas . It is simple, adaptable, and always a crowd pleaser.

I hope you love making it as much as I love sharing it with you. Let me know how it goes, yeah?