Description
This hearty Mexican Casserole melds seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and creamy cheeses layered between flour tortillas, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering a satisfying blend of spice and creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
Dairy
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Other
- 1 package (10 oz) flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns thoroughly.
- Drain Fat: Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish leaner.
- Sauté Onion: Add chopped onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and tender.
- Add Spices: Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to flavor the beef mixture evenly.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and green chilies to the skillet.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend all the flavors together.
- Prepare Cream Cheese: While simmering, cut the cream cheese into cubes and set aside.
- Melt Cream Cheese: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the cream cheese by stirring constantly until smooth.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Beef Mixture: Pour melted cream cheese into the skillet and stir to create a creamy, combined mixture.
- Cool Mixture: Set the beef mixture aside to cool slightly before layering in the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Tortillas: Place a layer of flour tortillas on the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly to cover completely.
- First Beef Layer: Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Add Tortilla Layer: Place another layer of tortillas over the cheese evenly.
- Second Beef Layer: Spread the remaining beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Second Cheese Layer: Top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese to cover the beef.
- Add Sour Cream: Spoon dollops of sour cream across the top of the casserole evenly.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to set layers.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from the beef to reduce greasiness in the casserole.
- The cream cheese should be melted slowly on low heat to avoid burning or curdling.
- You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños for more flavor and heat.
- Use whole wheat or corn tortillas for a healthier or gluten-free option, though this will alter texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
