Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sliced black olives, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix until well combined.
- Add the black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend until melted and well combined.
- To assemble the casserole, spread a thin layer of the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place two flour tortillas over the beef mixture, overlapping slightly if necessary to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spread another layer of the beef and vegetable mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the beef mixture.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and shredded cheese, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the Mexican casserole hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sliced black olives, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
- Enjoy your homemade Easy Mexican Casserole, a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!
FAQs:
1. Can I use tortilla chips instead of tortillas in the casserole?
Answer: Yes, you can use tortilla chips instead of tortillas in the casserole. Simply layer crushed tortilla chips in place of tortillas or use them as a topping for added crunch. Just keep in mind that tortilla chips may become softer when baked in the casserole compared to tortillas.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Answer: Yes, you can assemble the Mexican Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Prepare the casserole as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to remove the chill, then bake as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
3. Can I freeze the Mexican Casserole?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze the Mexican Casserole for longer-term storage. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it according to the recipe instructions.
4. What can I serve with Mexican Casserole to complete the meal?
Answer: Mexican Casserole pairs well with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Serve it with classic Mexican accompaniments such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and chopped fresh cilantro. You can also add a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a balanced meal.
5. Can I customize the ingredients in the casserole to suit my taste preferences?
Answer: Yes, you can customize the ingredients in the Mexican Casserole to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to add or omit ingredients such as black beans, corn, bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, or different types of cheese. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot salsa, adding more or less chili powder, or incorporating diced green chilies.