Taco Casserole Recipe

🌮 Mediterranean Taco Casserole

Description

This Mediterranean Taco Casserole brings together the cozy comfort of a baked casserole with the vibrant spices of taco night — but made lighter and healthier. Juicy ground meat, beans, tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil are layered with a creamy yogurt sauce and baked until golden. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd while staying true to Mediterranean-style eating.

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🛒 Ingredients

Casserole Base

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground chicken or beef

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Vegetables & Beans

• 1 can chickpeas or black beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)

• 1 cup corn (fresh or canned, drained)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

Creamy Layer

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or labneh)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or mild feta

• Juice of ½ lemon

Topping

• ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar-style)

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

2. Cook the Filling
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Brown the Meat
   Add ground meat and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess liquid if needed.

4. Season
   Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Add Veggies & Beans
   Mix in chickpeas, tomatoes, corn, and bell pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Make Creamy Layer
   In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and cheese.

7. Assemble
   Spread meat mixture into baking dish. Spoon yogurt mixture evenly on top.

8. Bake
   Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

9. Rest & Serve
   Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions (Mediterranean Style)

• Serve with a simple cucumber-tomato salad

• Add olive oil-brushed pita wedges

• Top with avocado slices or extra yogurt drizzle

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I make it low-carb?
A: Absolutely. Skip corn and beans and add zucchini or spinach instead.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes — freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free yogurt and cheese alternatives, or skip the creamy layer.

Q: What protein works best?
A: Ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even lentils for a vegetarian version.