Hey there! If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table, this Ground Chicken Taco Casserole is exactly what you need. Imagine a comforting casserole loaded with seasoned ground chicken, gooey cheese, and all the taco fixings you love, baked until bubbly and golden. It’s like taco night and casserole night had a delicious baby—and you’re going to want seconds (or maybe thirds)!
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Why You’ll Love Ground Chicken Taco Casserole
This dish isn’t just about being tasty—it’s about making your life easier and your taste buds happy. Here’s why it’s going to become a family favorite:
One-Pan Wonder: Everything is made in one casserole dish, making clean-up a breeze. No complicated steps—just assemble and bake!
Loaded with Flavor: Ground chicken is seasoned to perfection with taco spices, and every bite is packed with that crave-worthy taco flavor.
Family-Friendly: Whether you’re serving picky eaters or taco-lovers, this casserole is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Everyone can dig in and enjoy!
Customizable: Make it as mild or as spicy as you like. Add extra toppings or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—this recipe is all about making it your own!
Great for Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Store leftovers in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to put together this taco casserole:
Ground Chicken: The star of the show! Ground chicken is lean and versatile, taking on all the flavors of the taco seasoning beautifully.
Taco Seasoning: A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika creates that bold taco flavor we all love.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips create a delightful texture contrast, adding crunch in every bite.
Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts to perfection, adding creaminess and richness.
Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy, it adds a delicious richness that balances out the spices in the casserole.
Black Beans: For added fiber and heartiness, black beans are the perfect addition. They also complement the other flavors beautifully.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy diced tomatoes add a burst of color and a slight tang to the casserole.
Green Chiles: Mild green chiles add a little extra flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh and slightly sweet crunch, which is the perfect finishing touch for this casserole.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your taco casserole:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that oven nice and warm so the casserole can bake to perfection.
2. Cook the Ground Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Break up the chicken into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Season the Chicken: Add the taco seasoning to the cooked chicken, along with a splash of water (about ¼ cup). Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the seasoning, and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer the tortilla chips at the bottom. Top them with the seasoned ground chicken, followed by a layer of black beans, diced tomatoes, and green chiles. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
5. Bake the Casserole: Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
6. Add the Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, top the casserole with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, and any other optional toppings you love (think: sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime).
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve this casserole warm with your favorite sides like Mexican rice, guacamole, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the taco flavor with zero hassle!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 375
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Ground Chicken Taco Casserole
This taco casserole is fantastic on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes to round out your meal:
Mexican Rice: A side of flavorful, fluffy rice will soak up any extra taco sauce and complete the meal.
Guacamole and Salsa: Serve with creamy guacamole and fresh salsa for extra flavor and freshness.
Taco Salad: Pair with a simple taco salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a tangy dressing for the ultimate taco night experience.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a deliciously simple side that complements the richness of the casserole.
Additional Tips
Here are some handy tips to help you make the most of this recipe:
Spice It Up: If you love heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Use Lean Ground Beef or Turkey: If you don’t have ground chicken, ground beef or turkey will work perfectly fine in this recipe.
Prep Ahead: You can prep the casserole a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use extra beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version of this casserole.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of meat?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey or beef would work wonderfully in place of the ground chicken. Just make sure to drain any excess fat if you use beef.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the freezer, adding a bit more time to the cooking process.
Q5: Can I add more veggies?
A5: Of course! Feel free to add corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies and flavor.
Q6: Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
A6: Yes, absolutely! Homemade taco seasoning is a great way to control the flavors and spice level. Just substitute it in place of the store-bought seasoning.
Q7: Can I use store-bought tortilla chips?
A7: Yes, store-bought chips work just fine. Just be sure to use a sturdy chip that won’t crumble too much when baking.
Q8: Can I make this casserole spicier?
A8: Definitely! Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to make it as spicy as you like.
Q9: How long will this casserole keep in the fridge?
A9: The casserole will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Q10: Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?
A10: Yes, you can use a smaller casserole dish, but the cooking time might need to be adjusted slightly. Keep an eye on it while baking!
Conclusion
There you have it—Ground Chicken Taco Casserole, the perfect blend of taco flavor and casserole comfort! With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting friends, or prepping meals for the week, this casserole has you covered. Get ready for a tasty, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Print
Ground Chicken Taco Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Here’s your Ground Chicken Taco Casserole recipe, formatted for your Tasty Recipes plugin.
Ground Chicken Taco Casserole
Description
This high-protein ground chicken taco casserole is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a family dinner. Packed with lean ground chicken, zesty taco seasonings, and melted cheese, it’s a healthier twist on a classic casserole. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or a high-protein meal, this casserole will hit the spot!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- This casserole is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the mix.
- You can substitute ground turkey or lean beef for the ground chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg