1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional toppings:
Shredded lettuce
Avocado slices
Jalapeño slices
Chopped green onions
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
Season: Stir in the taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade), salsa, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×9 baking dish or a similar size casserole dish, spread the beef mixture evenly. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, layering it evenly over the beef.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Top with sour cream, black olives, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Add any additional toppings like lettuce, avocado, jalapeños, or green onions for extra flavor.
Serve: Slice the casserole into squares and serve hot.