Taco Casserole

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little bit of cooking spray or olive oil.

#### 2. **Cook the Ground Beef**:
In a large skillet, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat.

#### 3. **Season the Beef**:
Stir in the **taco seasoning** and a splash of water (as instructed on the seasoning packet), then simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is well coated with the seasoning. Add the **black beans**, **corn**, and **diced tomatoes with green chilies**, and stir until everything is combined. Allow this mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

#### 4. **Assemble the Casserole**:
Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of **sour cream**, spreading it out with a spatula. Then sprinkle the **shredded cheddar cheese** (or your choice of cheese) over the sour cream. For extra crunch, you can also sprinkle the crushed **tortilla chips** on top of the cheese layer.

#### 5. **Bake the Casserole**:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the casserole are golden brown.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve**:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh **green onions**, **cilantro**, and **black olives** if desired. For added freshness, you can also serve the casserole with a side of **shredded lettuce** and your favorite taco toppings, like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

### Why Taco Casserole Works:

– **Bold, Layered Flavors**: The seasoned ground beef brings that familiar taco taste, while the beans, corn, and tomatoes add depth and texture to the dish. The melted cheese and crunchy chips on top create a satisfying contrast, making every bite full of flavor.
– **Simple Ingredients**: Taco Casserole relies on pantry staples like taco seasoning, beans, and cheese, making it easy to throw together even on busy nights.
– **Crowd-Pleaser**: Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or a casual get-together, Taco Casserole is a dish that everyone will love. It’s hearty enough to fill everyone up, and it’s even better when served with all your favorite taco toppings.

### Tips for Making the Best Taco Casserole:

– **Make It Your Own**: Taco Casserole is incredibly customizable. You can swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein. You can also use any type of beans you prefer or add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions for more flavor.
– **Cheese Choices**: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend. You can even add a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
– **Add a Crunchy Topping**: If you like more texture, sprinkle extra tortilla chips on top before baking or top with crumbled taco shells for added crunch.
– **Spice It Up**: If you like things spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the casserole. You can also opt for a spicier taco seasoning mix or sprinkle chili powder on top for an extra kick.
– **Make Ahead**: Taco Casserole can easily be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.

### Variations of Taco Casserole:

– **Vegetarian Taco Casserole**: For a meatless version, swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils, and use plant-based cheese for the topping. You can also load it up with extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.
– **Breakfast Taco Casserole**: Add scrambled eggs to the mixture for a fun breakfast or brunch twist. Top with crispy bacon or sausage for an extra indulgent touch.
– **Taco Casserole with Rice**: Add cooked rice between the layers for a heartier dish. Rice soaks up the flavors and adds an extra element of texture.

### Why Taco Casserole is a Keeper:

Taco Casserole is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, full of comforting flavors, and incredibly satisfying. You can throw it together in no time and know that it’s going to be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and tastes, making it versatile and always crowd-pleasing.

If you’re looking for a dinner that combines the delicious flavors of tacos with the convenience and heartiness of a casserole, **Taco Casserole** is the answer. It’s a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!