1-Step 1: Preheat and Prep First, preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Gather and prepare your ingredients, like dicing the veggies and crushing the tortilla chips, for smooth assembly.

2-Step 2: Cook the Beef In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef, then stir in the 1.25 ounce taco seasoning packet halfway through for even flavor distribution. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside to rest.

3-Step 3: Sauté the Veggies Using the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté 1 diced red bell pepper, 2-3 diced jalapenos (if you want spice), 1 small diced onion, and 1 cup of frozen corn until they soften and release their aromas.

4-Step 4: Combine and Simmer Return the beef to the skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons of hot sauce, and 2 cups of salsa. Cook this mixture until it’s simmering and thickened, blending all the flavors together perfectly.

5-Step 5: Layer and Bake In your prepared baking dish, start with a layer of crushed tortilla chips and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add half the beef mixture, more chips and cheese, then the rest of the beef mixture topped with even more cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly, then add the remaining crushed chips and bake for 5 more minutes.

6-Step 6: Cool and Serve Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving, and top with optional items like cilantro or avocado for a fresh finish. This preparation takes about 10 minutes of active time, with total cooking around 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.