Hey there, dinner lovers!
Are you in the mood for a fun and tasty meal? I’ve got the perfect recipe for you!
Today, I’m excited to share my ground chicken taco casserole.
It’s packed with flavor, super simple to whip up, and a hit with the whole family.
Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy taco night without the fuss.
Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Ground chicken can be replaced with ground turkey, lean ground beef, or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian diets. These alternatives provide similar texture and protein content while accommodating different dietary preferences. Adjust cooking time slightly for beef or plant-based options.
Black beans can be substituted with pinto beans, kidney beans, or lentils. These alternatives offer similar nutritional profiles and work well in Mexican-inspired dishes. Drain and rinse canned beans before use, or cook dried beans according to package instructions.
Corn tortillas can be swapped with flour tortillas, low-carb tortillas, or thinly sliced zucchini for a low-carb option. If using flour tortillas, reduce the number used as they are typically larger. For zucchini, slice thinly and pat dry before layering to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2100-2300
- Protein: 130-140 g
- Fat: 100-110 g
- Carbohydrates: 200-220 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 15 ounces black beans
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces canned green chilis
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 corn tortillas, 6 inches
- 3 green onions (scallions)
- 12 ounces shredded cheese (choose cheddar or taco blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large tomato
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Meat Mixture
Thinly slice scallions, reserving some of the greens for garnish.
Preheat a large skillet over high heat and add olive oil to coat the bottom.
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up and allowing it to sear for about 5 minutes.
Stir occasionally so all sides of the chicken cook evenly for another 5 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes, green chilis, chili powder, cumin, and oregano to the skillet.
Open the can of black beans, smash them slightly with a fork, then add them to the chicken mixture.
Stir ingredients together and let simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce and Prepare Tortillas
In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce with chili powder, cumin, and salt.
Prepare tortillas by ensuring you have enough for three layers, about 4 tortillas per layer.
This will serve as the base for your casserole layers.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Begin by placing 4 tortillas at the bottom of a casserole dish to form the first layer.
Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
Sprinkle with 1/4 of the sliced scallions.
Top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layering process: another layer of tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, more scallions, and another 1/3 of the cheese.
Finish with the final layer of tortillas, pouring the tomato sauce over them.
Cover with the remaining cheese and 1/4 of the scallions, reserving any remaining scallions for garnish.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover the assembled casserole and bake for 30 minutes until it is heated thoroughly.
During the baking time, dice the tomato for garnish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Plate servings and drizzle lightly with sour cream.
Sprinkle with diced tomatoes and garnish with the reserved scallions.
Enjoy this delicious make-ahead meal, and feel free to reheat leftovers on subsequent days for a quick and satisfying dish.
