Love tacos, but hate the mess? Make this fun and easy taco casserole instead. It's packed with the typical taco ingredients, but just as yummy and flavorful.
1 lb. lean ground beef (or ground turkey or ground chicken)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 c. water
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed (kidney beans or pinto beans work too)
10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1/2 c. sour cream
9.25 oz. bag Fritos corn chips, divided
2 c. Mexican-style shredded cheese, divided
Optional toppings: more cheese, lettuce, fresh tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, olives, jalapenos
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, brown ground beef until almost done; add onions; cook until onions are soft and beef is no longer pink; discard fat.
Stir in taco seasoning and water; heat to boiling; reduce heat; stir in beans, tomatoes, and sour cream; cook 8-10 minutes or until heated through and the mixture is slightly thickened.
Add a single layer of Fritos in the bottom of the prepared baking dish; sprinkle 1 c. shredded cheese on top; add a layer of the ground beef mixture. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes; remove the foil; bake for 5 more minutes or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Remove from oven. Top with more Fritos.
Serve with your favorite toppings.
4 servings.
*To make in advance, put the casserole together, store it in the refrigerator and bake it at dinner time, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Leftovers will keep for about 4 days in the refrigerator.