Cheesy Loaded Taco Casserole

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deliciousCheesy Loaded Taco Casserole using the ingredients you provided, along with traditional taco casserole additions to make it hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor!

Cheesy Loaded Taco Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2 lb (900 g) halal ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (use 2 cups for the filling/layers and 1 cup for the gooey topping)
  • Recommended Additions:
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
    • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis (like Rotel), drained
    • ½ cup salsa
    • 1 bag (about 10–12 oz) tortilla chips (or corn tortillas)
    • ¼ cup water (for simmering the meat)
  • Optional Toppings for Serving:
    • Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.

2. Cook the Halal Ground Beef

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 2 lb of halal ground beef (and diced onions, if using) and cook until completely browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, the diced tomatoes with green chilis, and ¼ cup of water. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Stir in the black beans if you are using them.

3. Create the Base Layer

  • Crush a portion of the tortilla chips slightly and line the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.

4. Layer the Casserole

  • Spoon half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla chips.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef.
  • Add another light layer of tortilla chips, followed by the remaining beef mixture and another 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Bake Until Melty

  • Sprinkle the final 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top so it forms a gorgeous, golden-brown crust when baked.
  • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

6. Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes so it sets up nicely.
  • Load it up with your favorite toppings like dollops of sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, fresh cilantro, and diced tomatoes. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

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