Description
This Taco Bake is a delicious, hearty Mexican-inspired casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, salsa, and corn layered over a crunchy crescent roll or tortilla chip base, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it combines bold flavors with a comforting, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough or 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly, ensuring the flavors meld well.
- Add Beans, Salsa, and Corn: Mix in the drained black beans, salsa, and thawed corn stirring to combine evenly throughout the filling.
- Prepare the Base in Baking Dish: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, either unroll and press the crescent roll dough to cover the bottom completely, sealing the edges, or spread crushed tortilla chips evenly as a base layer.
- Layer Filling and Cheese: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the prepared base, then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the crescent dough is cooked through.
- Serve: Let the taco bake cool slightly after baking, then add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños before serving warm.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or a meatless alternative for variation or dietary preference.
- For extra heat, use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños directly to the filling mixture.
- If using crescent dough, be sure to seal the edges well to prevent leakage during baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal the next day.
