Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 10 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 12 corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, lightly crushed

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Note: A hot oven is crucial for immediate cheese melting and chip crisping.
  2. In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown the 2 lbs of lean ground beef until a deep seared crust develops. Cook until browned and slightly crispy.
  3. Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions are translucent and peppers have softened.
  4. Stir in the 3 cloves of minced garlic and 3 tbsp of taco seasoning. Toast for 60 seconds until the aroma is intense.
  5. Pour in the 10 oz of crushed tomatoes and 15 oz of black beans. Simmer for 3 minutes until the mixture is thick and glossy.
  6. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the 12 corn tortilla strips across the bottom. Note: This creates the crust that supports the weight of the meat.
  7. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Top with the remaining strips and the 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese.
  8. Sprinkle 1 cup of lightly crushed tortilla chips over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Letting it rest ensures cleaner slices.
  10. Garnish with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and fresh cilantro just before serving. > Chef's Tip: If you want an even deeper flavor, add a splash of beef stock to the skillet when you add the tomatoes. It helps the spices permeate the meat more thoroughly. My Family-Favorite Taco Casserole with Fritos: An Easy Comfort Dish! — Looking for a cozy meal? This taco casserole with Fritos is a crowd-pleaser! ...Taco Bell Taco Salad in 30 Minutes — Recreate the classic Taco Bell Taco Salad with our easy recipe. Features a sh...Taco Bake Recipe Ready in 30 Min | Ground Beef & Tortilla Casserole — This ground beef taco bake recipe features a layered design for crispy chips ... $img_2$