Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the ingredients for this casserole is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning to keep it natural)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 bag of tortilla chips (to serve on the side)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Avocado slices for topping (optional)
Feel free to mix and match these ingredients based on what you have on hand. I often substitute black beans with pinto beans or add in diced bell peppers for extra crunch!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. This is where I like to reminisce about my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of sizzling meat always signaled comfort.
- Add the taco seasoning to the skillet and stir well to coat the meat. Follow the packet instructions for adding water if needed. This mixture should be fragrant and flavorful.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with black beans, corn, salsa, and cooked rice. Stir until everything is well incorporated. It’s like crafting a family portrait of flavors!
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and press down gently to compact it. This is your base, ready to hold all that cheesy goodness!
- Spread the sour cream over the top of the casserole, creating a smooth layer. I love how this adds creaminess and a bit of tang to the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the sour cream layer. The more cheese, the better, right?
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International