Introduction:
Mexican Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish that brings together layers of spicy ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, all baked to perfection with a topping of tortilla chips or tortillas. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving comfort food with a Mexican twist. This casserole is loaded with vibrant flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients (For 6-8 Servings):
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 10 small corn or flour tortillas (or about 2 cups crushed tortilla chips)
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Chopped green onions
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Seasonings:
- Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and enchilada sauce. Mix well.
- Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to combine the flavors.
- Layer the Casserole:
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortillas or crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated
oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
- Top and Garnish:
- Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, green onions, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Tips for Success:
- Customizing: You can add or substitute ingredients based on preference, such as using pinto beans instead of black beans or adding cooked rice for extra bulk.
- Make it Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier casserole.
- Layering Tortillas: For a more structured casserole, use whole tortillas to form layers rather than crushed chips. This creates more defined layers similar to lasagna.
Recommendation:
This Mexican Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, as it reheats well and even tastes better the next day. Serve it with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a refreshing margarita or agua fresca to complete the Mexican-inspired feast!
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