Taco Casserole makes the best weeknight meal to gather around and even better leftovers! Loads of your favorite ingredients make this a hit with everyone!
Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Prepare a 3-quart casserole dish and set aside.
Heat a heavy cast iron pan. Add ground beef. Brown meat until it is no longer pink and caramelized brown bits start to appear. Drain any extra liquid and return to the stove.
Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped red bell pepper. Cook until onion has softened, for about 1 minute.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, jalapeno, taco seasoning, chili powder, and black pepper. Mix everything well. Check the seasoning and add salt if desired. Add half of the cheese to the beef mixture.
Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake covered for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and add remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 10 minutes more until the cheese is bubbly.
Top with chopped tomatoes, olives and tortilla chips. Serve.