Name: Ground Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground chicken breast; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning blend below); 15 oz can pinto beans, undrained unless very little liquid; 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles; 1 cup (170g) frozen roasted corn; ½ cup chicken broth or water; 6 extra thin corn tortillas, cut into thin strips; 4 oz shredded Mexican cheese; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

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Introduction

Ground Chicken Taco Casserole is a flavorful and protein-packed dish that comes together quickly in one pan. Featuring lean ground chicken, pinto beans, roasted corn, and melted Mexican cheese, it offers a comforting, slightly crispy texture with every bite. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep, this casserole delivers big on taste without extra fuss.

A white dish filled with several layers of nachos, starting with a base of browned ground meat, followed by a layer of crispy triangular tortilla chips partially covered in melted golden and slightly browned cheese. On top, there is a generous dollop of white sour cream in the center, surrounded by fresh red and white diced tomatoes and onions, along with green avocado slices and chopped green herbs sprinkled all over. A white bowl with the same diced tomato and onion mix is placed beside the dish on a white marbled surface, partially covered by a grey cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground chicken (ground chicken breast keeps it lean)
1 packet taco seasoning (or use homemade blend below)
15 oz can pinto beans (undrained unless very little liquid)
10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles
1 cup (170g) frozen roasted corn
½ cup chicken broth or water
6 extra thin corn tortillas (cut into thin strips)
4 oz shredded Mexican cheese

Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend:

2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the ground chicken to the hot skillet and let it brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side. Then break it into pieces and cook until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 3-4 more minutes.
Step 3: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked chicken and stir until evenly distributed, about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
Step 4: Add the undrained pinto beans, diced tomatoes and green chiles, frozen corn, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Fold in the tortilla strips evenly throughout the mixture. Top with shredded Mexican cheese, covering the edges to prevent burning.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and tortilla edges begin to crisp and brown.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings like nonfat Greek yogurt, cilantro, or salsa.

Tips & Variations

Use ground chicken breast to keep the casserole lean and high in protein.
If you prefer, substitute black beans for pinto beans or canned corn for frozen roasted corn.
Flour tortillas can be used instead of corn tortillas if desired.
Cover exposed tortilla edges with cheese to prevent burning during baking.
Try adding diced jalapeños for extra heat or topping with fresh avocado after baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors tend to develop and improve overnight. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm the whole casserole covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating helps keep it moist.

How to Serve

A white oval baking dish filled with a layered casserole showing two main layers: the bottom layer is browned ground meat mixed with taco seasoning, and the top layer is a melted, golden-brown cheese crust with some crispy edges, sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. On top of the cheese are small diced red tomatoes and white onions, a dollop of smooth white sour cream in the center, and a few slices of green avocado scattered around. Next to the baking dish is a white bowl with a fresh mix of diced tomato, onion, and herbs. The dish and bowl sit on a white marbled surface, with a gray textured cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, beef, or pork, but keep in mind the flavor and fat content may change the dish’s texture and taste.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely. Using corn tortillas and ensuring your taco seasoning is gluten-free will make this casserole safe for those avoiding gluten.