Mexican Casserole

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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:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Bake the Casserole:
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated

oven for 20 minutes.

  1. Uncover and Finish Baking:
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  1. Cool and Serve:
  • Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
  1. 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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