Description
Hearty Mexican casserole combines layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese into a comforting dish. Spicy, cheesy goodness satisfies hungry diners seeking bold southwestern flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Dairy and Tortillas:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown ground beef thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the meat, then incorporate taco seasoning, creating a rich, spicy flavor profile.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, melding the ingredients and intensifying the flavors.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and create easy serving.
- Create the first layer by evenly spreading half of the tortilla strips across the bottom of the dish.
- Distribute half of the beef mixture over the tortilla strips, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese to create a melty foundation.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining tortilla strips, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Garnish the top with dollops of sour cream, additional cheese, and black olives for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese becomes fully melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the casserole to set before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or shredded chicken for varied protein options and dietary preferences.
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or spicy salsa and taco seasoning to match personal spice tolerance.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version that maintains authentic Mexican flavor profile.
- Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg