Description
Spicy ground chicken taco casserole delivers a fiesta of flavors that dance across your palate. Layers of zesty ingredients create a comforting Mexican-inspired meal perfect for satisfying weekend dinner cravings you’ll adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
Toppings and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and allow it to release its aromatic oils for about 30 seconds.
- Crumble ground chicken into the pan, using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces while cooking until it transforms from pink to a golden brown color, ensuring complete doneness.
- Infuse the meat with taco seasoning, then incorporate diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn, stirring to distribute flavors evenly and create a cohesive mixture.
- Carefully transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetable blend into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Extract the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest briefly, helping the ingredients settle and cool slightly.
- Garnish with a generous dollop of sour cream and sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant, zesty finish before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground chicken with turkey or plant-based crumbles for diverse protein options and dietary needs.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and draining canned beans thoroughly before adding.
- Make the dish spicier by incorporating diced jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
- Boost vegetable content by mixing in extra bell peppers or zucchini for enhanced nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg