Save Pin
Cheesy taco goodness in one pot that packs all those classic Tex Mex flavors together in a bubbly, warm bake. You only need about thirty minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect throw-it-together weeknight meal that you can load up with whatever toppings you want. Plenty big for a family or a hungry group of friends.
I first made this when my fridge was close to empty and now it’s my go-to for parties or game nights when I want something tasty but easy.
Inviting Ingredients
- Crushed tortilla chips: make a crispy topping that won’t get soggy under all that cheese. Use a fresh bag so they really crunch.
- Salsa: keeps things moist and adds a punch of flavor. Chunky or smooth—whatever you’re into.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: these bring tang and a little heat. Grab mild or spicy, based on what you like.
- Black beans: bulk it up and add some fiber. Cans with no extra salt give you more flavor control.
- Taco seasoning: gives the punch you expect. Use your favorite store-bought blend or mix your own for your heat level.
- Frozen corn: pops of sweetness and nice color. If you can, go for non-GMO corn.
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: brings that melty gold top. Buy a block and shred it yourself—it melts better.
- Diced onion: adds sweetness and depth. Either white or yellow onions work great.
- Ground beef or turkey: brings in savory, meaty flavor. Go with a leaner option to cut down the grease.
- Optional toppings: finish it off with sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, or green onions—basically, whatever you’ve got or what your family loves.
Simple Steps
- Rest and Top Off
- Once out of the oven, set the pan aside for a few minutes so the cheese settles. Top with whatever you’re craving—think avocado, jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro. Serve hot right from the skillet.
- Bake to Bubbly Goodness
- Pop the skillet into your hot oven. Bake around ten to twelve minutes until the cheese melts and turns a bit golden at the edges.
- Add Cheese and Crunch
- Take the pan off the heat. Mix in half your shredded cheese—it’ll melt right into the filling. Spread those tortilla chips evenly over the top, then put on the rest of the cheese.
- Let Everything Simmer
- Shake in the taco seasoning. Add Rotel, corn, salsa, and black beans. Stir everything together and let it all heat and bubble for about five minutes so veggies soften and flavors blend.
- Start with Browning
- Grab your big oven-safe skillet. Cook the ground meat with chopped onion on medium, stirring now and then, until the meat’s fully browned and onions are soft. If there’s a lot of fat, scoop out what you can.
Save Pin
I seriously love how the combo of cheese and chips gets everyone reaching for seconds. My favorite way to eat it? A heap of cold sour cream and tons of fresh cilantro on top.
Best Ways to Store
Let everything come down to room temp before covering up. Store leftovers in a tight container in your fridge for three days. For longer keeping, seal well and freeze for up to two months. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm in the oven, covered with foil so it doesn’t dry out.
Smart Swaps
Change the meat to ground chicken or add more beans for a veggie version. No Rotel in the pantry? Mix chopped green chiles with diced tomatoes. Not a fan of black beans? Pinto beans are a great stand-in.
How to Serve
Dish it up straight from the pan or offer a toppings bar so everyone can top theirs with more cheese, avocado slices, spicy jalapeños, or a little lime juice. Want to round things out? Pair with a crisp salad or some Mexican rice.
Save Pin
Fun Background Info
This kind of one-pot meal is classic American comfort food—born because busy days need something tasty, quick, and flexible. It turns taco night from stuff you pick up with your hands to something you can scoop and share. That makes it perfect for potlucks or getting everyone around the table without fuss.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Is ground turkey a good swap for beef?
For sure, ground turkey tastes great here and lightens things up. You won't lose any of that awesome flavor.
- → Can I mix this together before and bake it later?
Definitely! Just put it all together ahead of time. When it's go time, pop it in the oven so the cheese melts fresh.
- → Do I need to use Rotel, or is there another option?
Rotel makes things quick since it's tomatoes plus green chilies. But regular canned tomatoes and some chopped green chilies work fine too.
- → Which toppings taste best with this?
Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced avocado, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cilantro for extra pop.
- → How do I make it without meat?
Just leave out the meat and throw in more beans or a plant-based crumble instead for a tasty meat-free version.