Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, pinch of cayenne, salt, and pepper)
- 1 cup salsa (choose your favorite heat level)
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (Nacho cheese or plain, depending on preference)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional but adds a nice briny touch)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional for added protein and fiber)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, well-drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional but freshens the dish beautifully)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitution tips: If you’re dairy-free, swap the cheeses for your favorite vegan cheese blend and use a dairy-free sour cream. For a gluten-free version, double-check that your taco chips and seasoning are certified gluten-free. Beans can be swapped for cooked corn kernels or diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size casserole dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the taco seasoning and salsa to the beef. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Mama Lou always said, “Let the spices talk to each other,” and that slow simmer really brings out the magic.
- Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle a layer of crushed tortilla chips evenly over the beef.
- Scatter a mix of black beans, diced tomatoes, olives, and half the green onions over the chips.
- Generously sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the veggies.
- Repeat the layering process: beef, chips, veggies, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing off with a cheese layer on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Dollop sour cream on top, sprinkle with remaining green onions and fresh cilantro.
- Serve warm and watch as your family digs in. Ouma always insists on extra cheese on hers—Mama Lou’s tradition lives on!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International