Description
Mexican-inspired chicken taco casserole delivers a zesty explosion of flavors for family dinner nights. Layers of tender chicken, crisp tortillas, melted cheese, and spicy seasonings create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 whole wheat tortillas (8-inch)
- 2 cups low-fat Mexican blend cheese
- 15 ounces (425 grams) black beans, canned, drained, and rinsed
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ¼ cup green onion, chopped
Sauce:
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
- Activate olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic.
- Incorporate diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Introduce black beans and taco seasoning to the vegetable mixture, gently warming and integrating flavors.
- Create the first foundation layer by positioning whole wheat tortillas across the baking dish’s bottom.
- Distribute half of the prepared bean and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortilla base.
- Arrange shredded chicken as the next component, ensuring balanced coverage across the initial layer.
- Drizzle enchilada sauce generously, allowing it to seep through the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle a moderate layer of shredded cheese to enhance moisture and flavor complexity.
- Replicate the layering process with remaining tortillas, vegetable mixture, chicken, sauce, and cheese.
- Ensure the final cheese layer appears abundant and inviting.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, protecting ingredients during initial baking phase.
- Bake covered for 15 minutes, then unveil and continue cooking until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
- Rest the casserole momentarily to stabilize layers and intensify flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, crisp finish before serving.
Notes
- Meal prep champions can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, saving precious weeknight cooking minutes.
- Budget-friendly ingredients like black beans and whole wheat tortillas keep this dish nutritionally dense and wallet-friendly.
- Choose rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to dramatically reduce cooking time and add extra flavor complexity.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning based on family preferences and tolerance.
- Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or corn to boost vitamins and fiber content.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating in microwave or oven for quick subsequent meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg