Savory Ground Chicken Taco Casserole: 1 Amazing Dish

Ugh, weeknights, right? Between work, school, and just trying to keep the house from looking like a tornado hit it, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated dinner. That’s where I, Anna, come in! I’m all about making everyday cooking super simple, totally joyful, and, of course, delicious, especially when it comes to chicken. My kitchen is my happy place, and I love sharing recipes that make your life a little easier and a lot tastier. I remember one particularly hectic evening, staring into the fridge, feeling completely uninspired. I just wanted something warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor without a ton of fuss. That’s exactly how this amazing Ground Chicken Taco Casserole was born. It’s become my go-to for those nights when time is short but the craving for something hearty and comforting is HUGE!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Taco Casserole

Trust me, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights! Here’s why it’s going to be your new best friend in the kitchen:

• Super Easy Prep: Seriously, you can throw this together in about 15 minutes. No fancy skills needed!
• Packed with Flavor: All those yummy taco spices, tender chicken, beans, corn, and melty cheese? Perfection!
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means more relaxation. Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
• Totally Customizable: Don’t like corn? Swap it! Want extra spice? Add it! This recipe is your playground.

Gathering Your Ground Chicken Taco Casserole Ingredients

Alright, let’s get cooking! To whip up this fantastic Ground Chicken Taco Casserole, you’ll need just a few simple things. I’ve laid it all out here so you can easily grab everything you need. Don’t worry if you don’t have something exact; we’ll chat about swaps in a sec!

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Olive oil	1/2 tablespoon	For sautéing
Ground chicken	1 pound	Lean or regular works fine!
Taco seasoning	1 packet (about 1 oz)	Or make your own (see notes below!)
Pinto beans	1 (15 oz) can	Undrained is best for flavor and moisture
Diced tomatoes and green chiles	1 (10 oz) can	Rotel is perfect here!
Frozen roasted corn	1 cup (170g)	Adds a lovely smoky sweetness
Chicken broth or water	1/2 cup	To help everything meld together
Extra thin corn tortillas	6	Cut into thin strips
Shredded Mexican cheese blend	4 oz	Or your favorite cheddar blend

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Ground Chicken Taco Casserole

So, let’s talk details for our amazing Ground Chicken Taco Casserole! The pinto beans are my go-to because they’re super creamy, but if you’re not a fan, black beans work like a charm too. Just make sure to use them undrained to get all that delicious bean liquid into the mix. If you can’t find frozen roasted corn, no worries at all! A regular can of whole kernel corn, drained, is a totally fine substitute. Just give it a quick rinse if you like. And for the taco seasoning, if you’re feeling adventurous or just ran out of the packet, making your own is easy-peasy! Just mix up 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, and dried Mexican oregano. It’s a great way to control the spice level!

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Ground Chicken Taco Casserole

Okay, superstar chef, let’s get this deliciousness happening! This Ground Chicken Taco Casserole comes together so fast, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. First things first, get that oven preheating to 400ºF (that’s 200ºC for my international friends!). While it’s warming up, grab your favorite big skillet – the one that can go from the stovetop right into the oven. Add that half tablespoon of olive oil and let it get nice and hot over medium-high heat. You want it shimmering, not smoking!

Now, toss in your pound of ground chicken. Let it sit for about 3-4 minutes without touching it. This is key for getting a nice little sear on the bottom, which adds so much flavor! After that initial sear, break it all up with your spoon and keep cooking until it’s all nicely browned. Drain off any excess fat if you prefer, but honestly, a little bit adds to the yum factor.

Time for the magic dust! Sprinkle in that packet of taco seasoning. Stir it all around so every piece of chicken gets coated. Oh, the smell already! Next, up goes the whole can of pinto beans (don’t drain them, remember?), the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles (hello, flavor boost!), your cup of frozen roasted corn, and that half cup of chicken broth or water. Give it all a good stir, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble away for a minute or two to get all those flavors mingling.

Now for the quirky, fun part: the tortillas! Fold those thinly sliced tortilla strips right into the mixture. They’ll soak up all those amazing flavors and get a little tender-crisp. Finally, scatter that 4 ounces of shredded Mexican cheese all over the top. Make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies!

Pop that skillet into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be all melty and bubbly, and the edges of those tortilla strips should be looking a little golden and toasty. Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for just a couple of minutes – it’ll be super hot! Then, garnish it up with whatever your heart desires – sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro, you name it!

Tips for the Perfect Ground Chicken Taco Casserole

Want to guarantee your casserole is a total showstopper? A few little tricks go a long way! Make sure your oven is fully preheated before it goes in; that helps everything cook evenly. Don’t skip the searing step for the chicken – it really builds flavor. And when it comes to the cheese, don’t be shy! A generous topping ensures that ultimate cheesy pull we all love. If your tortillas seem a bit dry after baking, a tiny drizzle of extra broth before adding the cheese can help them soften up just right.

Essential Equipment for Your Ground Chicken Taco Casserole

You don’t need a whole arsenal of gadgets for this easy Ground Chicken Taco Casserole! Just a few basics will do the trick. You’ll definitely want a good, sturdy oven-safe skillet – something around 10-12 inches is perfect. A large spoon or spatula for stirring is a must, and of course, a cheese grater if you’re shredding your own cheese. That’s really it! Simple tools for a simple, delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Chicken Taco Casserole

Got questions about this amazing Ground Chicken Taco Casserole? I’ve got answers! It’s super straightforward, but a few things pop up, so let’s clear them up.

Q1. Can I use a different kind of meat besides ground chicken?

Absolutely! While ground chicken keeps it light and healthy, ground turkey or even lean ground beef work wonderfully. Just make sure you brown it well and drain off any excess grease, just like with the chicken. The taco seasoning does all the heavy lifting for flavor!

Q2. What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

No problem at all! You can easily whip up your own. Just combine 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, and dried Mexican oregano. It gives you that classic taco flavor without the packet. You can even adjust the spices to make it spicier or milder!

Q3. My casserole seems a bit dry. What can I do?

If your beans were a little dry or you used drained corn, your casserole might need a touch more moisture. Before topping with cheese, stir in an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water. This helps everything meld together beautifully and prevents those tortillas from getting too crispy.

Q4. Can I make this ahead of time?

You sure can! You can prepare the mixture (up to adding the tortillas and cheese) a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add the tortillas and cheese, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it’s starting cold. Or bake it completely, let it cool, and then reheat it.

How to Store and Reheat Your Ground Chicken Taco Casserole

Leftovers are the best, right? Here’s how to keep your Ground Chicken Taco Casserole tasting fabulous:

Storage Method	Duration	Reheating Method
Airtight container in the refrigerator	3-4 days	Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil	Up to 2 months	Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat using the microwave or oven method.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Ground Chicken Taco Casserole

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use and any swaps you make. But this gives you a good idea of what you’re getting with each delicious serving of your Ground Chicken Taco Casserole!

Nutrient	Approximate Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	8g
Unsaturated Fat	12g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	800mg
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	8g
Sugar	5g
Protein	30g

Share Your Ground Chicken Taco Casserole Creations!

I absolutely love hearing from you all! When you make this yummy Ground Chicken Taco Casserole, please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you add any fun toppings? Did your family devour it? Feel free to share photos too – I’d be thrilled to see your creations! You can also find more recipe ideas on Pinterest.

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