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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy taco bake filling the house with its mouthwatering aroma. Growing up, my family and I would gather around the dinner table for taco nights, each person crafting their own masterpiece with toppings galore. Those evenings were filled with laughter, stories, and the occasional food fight over who got the last scoop of guacamole. Fast forward to today, I still cherish those moments, and I’ve found a way to bring that nostalgic joy into a single dish: the Zesty Tex-Mex Ground Beef Taco Bake. This recipe combines all the flavors of taco night while keeping it simple and satisfying. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, heading to a potluck, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this taco bake is sure to please everyone at the table.

Zesty Tex-Mex Ground Beef Taco Bake

Experience the comfort of home-cooked meals with a Zesty Tex-Mex Ground Beef Taco Bake. This delightful dish brings together all the flavors of taco night into one simple yet satisfying casserole. Featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, spicy salsa, and layers of cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Discover how easy it is to create this nostalgic dish that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy the fusion of Tex-Mex flavors in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 cup salsa

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup crushed tortilla chips

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for garnish)

Cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

      Season the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Brown until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and salsa. Mix well and let simmer for approximately 5 minutes.

        Layer the Bake: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over this layer, then add half of the crushed tortilla chips. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat mixture, cheese, and chips.

          Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

            Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings