If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant taste of Mexico to your table, this Mexican casserole is the perfect choice. This one-dish wonder features layers of seasoned meat, beans, corn, and cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Get ready to indulge in a comforting meal that will delight everyone!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can corn, drained
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
– 1/2 cup chopped onions
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Sour cream and jalapeños for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 people, with a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/6 of the casserole) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
5. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
6. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
7. In a baking dish, layer half of the meat mixture.
8. Sprinkle half of the crushed tortilla chips over the meat layer.
9. Add half of the shredded cheese on top.
10. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat mixture, chips, and cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground chicken or a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option. Additionally, you can use white beans or kidney beans instead of black beans for a different flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This Mexican casserole pairs beautifully with a side of guacamole, fresh salsa, or a simple green salad. It can also be enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream and sliced jalapeños for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to cover it tightly.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much seasoning can overpower the dish; start with less and adjust as needed.
- Overcooking the meat can result in dryness; ensure it’s just browned.
- Not layering ingredients properly can lead to uneven cooking.
- Skipping the cooling time can make serving messy.
- Using low-quality cheese might affect the melting quality.
- Forgetting to drain canned ingredients can make the casserole watery.
- Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven cooking.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add spices like cumin or chili powder.
- Top with fresh avocado or cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a richer taste.
- Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for nutrition.
- Let leftovers sit overnight for enhanced flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Mexican casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of chips?
Absolutely! You can layer corn tortillas in place of tortilla chips for a softer texture. Just cut them into strips or rounds.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on the type of diced tomatoes and taco seasoning you use. You can opt for mild versions for a less spicy dish.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition and add flavor.
How long does the casserole last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 3 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This Mexican casserole is a delightful dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite. Its ease of preparation and versatility in ingredients ensure it fits well into any busy lifestyle. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it provides, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones!
Mexican Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
- 1 cup tortilla chips crushed
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Sour cream and jalapeños for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the crushed tortilla chips over the meat layer.
- Add half of the shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining meat mixture, chips, and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
