Description
Mexican casserole brings together hearty layers of spicy goodness that will make your dinner table come alive with zesty comfort. Packed with cheese, ground beef, and tortillas, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from south of the border.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels
- ½ cup diced onions
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Dairy and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup tortilla chips
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Crank your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray.
- Place 1 lb ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 7-8 minutes until no pink remains.
- Drain the excess fat from your beef, returning the meat to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the beef, stirring to coat every crumb completely.
- Pour in 1 cup salsa, 1 can black beans, and 1 can corn kernels, mixing with the seasoned beef until well combined.
- Transfer the beef mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer across the bottom.
- Scatter ½ cup diced onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped bell pepper evenly over the beef layer.
- Shower 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface, covering every inch.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
- Remove the casserole and let it rest for 5 minutes to settle its flavors.
- Crush 1 cup tortilla chips into rustic pieces and rain them over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro as a final flourish.
- Add a generous dollop of 1 cup sour cream right in the center before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the casserole healthier.
- For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for protein.
- Customize the heat level by selecting mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your spice preference.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and easy during busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg