Emily’s Excellent Taco Casserole: A Family Favorite Recipe

Are you searching for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than Emily’s Excellent Taco Casserole! This recipe is a tried-and-true family favorite, passed down through generations (well, maybe not *that* long, but it feels like it!). It’s packed with flavor, customizable to your preferences, and incredibly simple to throw together. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual get-together with friends. Get ready to experience a fiesta in your mouth!

## Why This Taco Casserole is a Winner

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this taco casserole is so exceptional:

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
* **Customizable:** The beauty of this casserole is that you can easily adapt it to your family’s tastes. Add different vegetables, swap out the meat, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this casserole. The layers of flavorful ingredients create a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe is a great way to stretch your grocery budget. It uses inexpensive ingredients and makes a large portion, perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for lunch.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Taco casserole tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. It’s a great option for meal prepping or packing lunches.

## Emily’s Excellent Taco Casserole Recipe

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s the recipe for Emily’s Excellent Taco Casserole:

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
* 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
* 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
* 8-10 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, black olives

**Equipment:**

* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Spoon or spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons

**Instructions:**

**Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the casserole cooks evenly.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or turkey or chicken) over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
3. Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial to prevent a greasy casserole.
4. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the meat is well-seasoned. This allows the flavors to meld together.

**Step 2: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. This will help to create a solid base for the casserole.
3. Arrange 3-4 tortillas over the meat mixture, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish. You can lightly spray the tortillas with cooking spray if desired. This helps to keep the tortillas soft and prevents them from drying out.
4. Spread half of the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and salsa over the tortillas. Distribute the ingredients evenly.
5. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the vegetable mixture. Cheese is your friend! Don’t be shy.
6. Repeat layers: Add another layer of tortillas (3-4 tortillas, overlapping as needed). Top with the remaining meat mixture, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and salsa.
7. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheese over the top layer. This will create a golden and bubbly crust.

**Step 3: Bake the Casserole**

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will allow the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld together.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

**Step 4: Let it Rest and Serve**

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice.
2. Cut into squares and serve hot. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and black olives. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Meats:** Feel free to substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded beef or pork for the ground beef. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or a mixture of lentils and vegetables.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Get creative with your vegetables! Add diced bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat mixture or layer them between the tortillas.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also use a spicier salsa or add some chopped jalapeños.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make this casserole gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
* **Add a Layer of Refried Beans:** For a richer and creamier casserole, spread a layer of refried beans on the bottom of the baking dish before adding the meat mixture.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheese blends. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all be delicious in this casserole.
* **Make it Ahead of Time:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freeze for Later:** This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Make it in a Cast Iron Skillet:** Use a cast iron skillet for an extra crispy crust. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid overfilling the casserole layers. Overfilling can lead to a soggy casserole. Spread the ingredients in even layers.
* **Consider the Tortillas:** If your tortillas are stiff, lightly warm them in a skillet or microwave before assembling the casserole. This will make them more pliable and easier to work with.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** As tempting as it may be to dig in immediately, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This will prevent it from being too runny.

## Serving Suggestions

Emily’s Excellent Taco Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Toppings Galore:** Offer a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, black olives, and pico de gallo.
* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple side salad for a fresh and healthy complement.
* **Mexican Rice:** Pair with a side of Mexican rice for a more complete meal.
* **Chips and Salsa:** Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite salsa for dipping.
* **Cornbread:** A slice of warm cornbread is a comforting addition to this casserole.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving

## A Taco Casserole Story

My mom, Emily (hence the name!), originally created this recipe when she was looking for a quick and easy way to feed our family of six. She wanted something that was both delicious and budget-friendly. After experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, she finally landed on this winning combination. Over the years, we’ve tweaked the recipe to our liking, but the basic principles remain the same: simple ingredients, easy preparation, and tons of flavor.

This taco casserole has been a staple in our family for years. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, and casual gatherings. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients. We’ve even been known to eat it for breakfast! (Don’t judge!).

One of my favorite memories involving this casserole is when my mom made it for a family reunion. Everyone raved about it and asked for the recipe. It was such a hit that it’s now a tradition to have taco casserole at every family gathering. It’s a dish that brings us all together and creates lasting memories.

## Conclusion

Emily’s Excellent Taco Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a family tradition. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a fiesta in your mouth! This casserole is sure to become a family favorite in your home too. Enjoy!