CHEESY TACO CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, jack, and/or mozzarella)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 package (10-12 oz) corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sliced black olives, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the taco seasoning mix to the cooked beef, along with a little water (as per the seasoning packet instructions). Stir well to coat the meat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. In a separate bowl, combine diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, chopped onion, and chopped bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
5. In another bowl, mix sour cream and salsa until well combined.
6. Layer the casserole:
   • Spread half of the taco-seasoned beef at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
   • Add a layer of quartered corn tortillas on top of the beef.
   • Spread half of the sour cream and salsa mixture over the tortilla layer.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sour cream layer.
   • Add the second half of the taco-seasoned beef as the next layer.
   • Add another layer of quartered corn tortillas.
   • Spread the remaining sour cream and salsa mixture.
   • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
   • Optionally, add toppings like sliced black olives, chopped fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.