Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and that cheese melts perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of canola oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Take a lightly greased 11×7-inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of the crushed corn chips evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then pour the seasoned beef mixture over the chips, smoothing it out to form a uniform layer.
Next, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef. Top with the remaining crushed chips to add another layer of crunch.
Step 4: Bake
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted and slightly bubbly, while the chips on top turn golden and crisp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with any desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy, taco-flavored bite!
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
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