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Beef and Vegetable Taco Bake

This Beef and Vegetable Taco Bake is a hearty, kid-friendly twist on taco night. Layers of seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, beans, and tortilla chips come together under a blanket of melted cheese for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 511

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper (1 small bell pepper)
  • 1 cup diced zucchini (1 small zucchini)
  • 0.5 cup frozen corn, no need to thaw
  • 1 lb extra lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning, divided
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups lightly crushed tortilla chips
  • 15 oz can pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided
  • 2 tbsp sliced black olives (about ½ small can)
  • 2 thinly sliced green onions

Equipment

  • skillet
  • baking dish (13×9-inch)
  • Mixing Spoon
  • cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 2½- to 3-quart baking dish (13×9-inch or slightly smaller) with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and pepper is tender, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add zucchini, corn, and 1 teaspoon taco seasoning. Cook, stirring, until zucchini is just fork tender. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and set aside.
  4. Return skillet to medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up meat, until browned and crumbled, about 5–6 minutes. Drain grease.
  5. Add remaining 2 teaspoons taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Stir and cook 2–3 minutes to reduce liquid. Remove from heat.
  6. Layer tortilla chips in bottom of prepared pan. Spread beans over top. Sprinkle with ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup pepper Jack.
  7. Top with sautéed vegetables, then beef mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and pepper Jack evenly on top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.
  9. Remove from oven and garnish with sliced olives and green onions. Serve with desired toppings.

Notes

Optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, salsa, or hot sauce add freshness and spice. Nutrition calculation excludes optional toppings.

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