First thing’s first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating, gather and prepare all ingredients. Chop your onions and garlic—make sure to get those aromatic scents dancing in the air.

Next, heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, and let it sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Now, add the ground beef or turkey into the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.

It’s time for flavor magic! Mix in the taco seasoning, cooked onions, drained black beans, corn, and tomato purée. Stir until everything is well combined. Feel free to add more taco seasoning if you prefer it spicier. Cook this mixture for another 3 minutes, letting those flavors meld.

Grab a large baking dish. Begin layering the bottom with some of your tortilla strips. Follow this with a portion of the meat mixture. Add a generous amount of salsa and sprinkle cheese on top. Repeat this layering until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Finally, cover the casserole with aluminum foil to maintain moisture and avoid over-browning the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a bit. Serve up slices adorned with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. And voilà! You have yourself a cheesy taco casserole that everyone will love.