Description

If you love the fun chaos of a walking taco but want something easier to serve family-style, this casserole is for you. Savory seasoned beef, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and melty cheese get layered with a crunchy corn chip topping for the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s bold, festive, and guaranteed to make dinner feel like a party!

Ingredients

Scale

Casserole:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor; or turkey/chicken for leaner option)
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp oregano)
½ cup water
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
3 cups corn chips (Fritos or sturdy tortilla chips)

Toppings (optional but recommended):

Sour cream
Diced tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Sliced jalapeños
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line with foil for easier cleanup.

2. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains (6–8 minutes).
Drain excess fat.
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and add ½ cup water. Stir and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Mix in Veggies

Remove skillet from heat and stir in black beans and corn.

4. Layer the Casserole

Spread beef-vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the meat layer.
Add a layer of corn chips.
Top with remaining cheese.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately to keep chips crunchy.

6. Add Toppings

Set up a toppings bar or add toppings directly to the casserole before serving.

Notes

Chip swaps: Doritos, tortilla strips, or crushed potato chips.
Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle in adobo, or hot sauce to the beef.
Buffalo Chicken Twist: Use shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and top with Monterey Jack or blue cheese.
Breakfast Version: Replace beef with cooked breakfast sausage, chips with tater tots, and add a fried egg on top.
Low-Carb/Keto: Use cauliflower rice instead of chips.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g