Description
A hearty and flavorful Loaded Taco Squares Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, vegetables, and layers of corn tortillas and cheddar cheese, baked to perfection for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Spices and Thickening
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Canned and Frozen Ingredients
- 1 4-oz can hatch chiles
- 1 cup canned or frozen sweet corn
- 1 15-oz can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
Other Ingredients
- 12 corn tortillas
- 12 oz cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Brown beef and cook vegetables: In a 4-quart saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, garlic, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 4-6 minutes.
- Add spices and flour: Stir in the chili powder and cumin, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and cook while stirring for 2 minutes to thicken the mixture.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer: Add the hatch chiles, sweet corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes with their liquid. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble casserole layers: Spread one cup of the meat mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish as a thin layer. Layer six corn tortillas over the meat mixture, overlapping and pressing up the sides slightly. Spread half of the remaining meat mixture on top, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining meat mixture and cheese, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the filling is hot throughout and the cheese on top is browned and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using 90% lean ground beef reduces excess liquid but may require draining if more fat is present.
- Char the corn tortillas on the stovetop before assembling to add a smoky flavor and enhanced texture.
- Shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
