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Budget-Friendly Loaded Taco Casserole Recipe Under 10 Dollars Easy and Delicious

budget-friendly loaded taco casserole - featured image

A quick, easy, and affordable taco casserole that combines seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels (about 5.3 oz)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (can substitute Greek yogurt)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 7 oz)
  • 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (about 3.5 oz)
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking up the meat until no longer pink and onions are soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add drained black beans, frozen corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and fold in sour cream until mixture is creamy and well combined.
  6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. Pour half of the beef mixture over the chips and sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers once more, finishing with cheese on top.
  7. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve.

Notes

Drain excess fat from beef to avoid sogginess. Stir sour cream in off heat to prevent curdling. Use foil while baking to trap moisture and remove it for the last 10 minutes to brown cheese. Add extra crushed chips on top before serving for crunch if needed. Adjust seasoning to taste before layering.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco casserole, budget-friendly, easy dinner, ground beef casserole, loaded casserole, weeknight meal, comfort food, affordable recipe