Description
This flavorful Taco Bell copycat Quesarito combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, corn, and cheese layered between crunchy tortilla chips and baked to bubbly perfection. Topped with fresh green onions, black olives, and cilantro, it’s a comforting and cheesy Tex-Mex casserole perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 cups tortilla chips, slightly crushed
Garnishes
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with 1/2 cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to fully incorporate the flavors.
- Mix in Beans and Vegetables: Add the drained black beans, drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined evenly.
- Layer the Casserole – First Layer: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly, followed by spreading half of the beef mixture on top, and then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend.
- Layer the Casserole – Second Layer: Repeat the layering with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, beef mixture, and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese to create a delicious cheesy top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions, sliced black olives if using, and freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the excess grease after browning the ground beef to reduce fat content and prevent soggy casserole.
- Crushing the tortilla chips slightly helps them layer better and absorb flavors without becoming too hard.
- The sour cream adds creaminess—feel free to substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Adjust seasoning or add jalapeños if you prefer more heat in the dish.
- The optional black olives add a nice briny flavor but can be omitted if not preferred.
