Description
Hearty Mexican Casserole brings zesty flavors from south of the border, combining spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips. Layers of comforting ingredients create a quick dinner that will satisfy hungry families craving bold southwestern cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Starches and Beans:
- 4 tortillas
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn (optional)
Flavor and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons green onions or cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
- Enhance the meat mixture by stirring in taco seasoning, black beans, and salsa, blending flavors thoroughly.
- Create layers in a baking dish, alternating between crisp tortillas, seasoned beef mixture, and generous sprinkles of shredded cheese.
- Continue layering until all ingredients are used, ensuring an even distribution of components.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle.
- Serve hot, adorned with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions or cilantro for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian version that keeps all the zesty Mexican flavors.
- Use whole wheat or corn tortillas to boost nutritional value and create a gluten-free alternative for sensitive diets.
- Control spice levels by selecting mild salsa or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat, making the casserole adaptable to different taste preferences.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble quickly for a convenient weeknight meal that satisfies comfort food cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg