Taco casserole is a delicious Mexican-inspired dish that combines ground beef, cheese, and tortilla chips with a creamy sauce. Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/3 cup of flour and cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the cheese sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the cooked ground beef, 1 (15 ounce) can of black olives, 1 (15 ounce) can of corn, drained, 1 (4 ounce) can of chopped green chilies, and 1 bag of crushed tortilla chips. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top and spread evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle 2 more cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake at 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy your taco casserole! This dish is perfect for serving a crowd and leftovers reheat well for lunches. Add some salsa, sour cream, sliced scallions or jalapenos for extra flavor and spice.
For a lower carb version, use low carb tortilla chips, or crush pork rinds as a topping instead. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini or spinach. Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless with this versatile and customizable dish! Your friends and family are sure to request this taco casserole again and again.