Description
Dive into a flavor-packed Mexican tortilla casserole that layers spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortillas into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Comfort meets excitement in this hearty dish that promises to satisfy your craving for bold, zesty Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Flavor:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 pack taco seasoning mix
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables, Beans, and Corn:
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 can Mexican blend corn, drained
- 8 ounces (8 oz) thick chunky salsa, mild or hot
Starch and Base:
- 1 cup prepared minute rice
- 4–5 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by lightly coating a round baking dish with non-stick spray. Position the oven rack to ensure even heating at 350°F.
- Transform ground beef into a savory foundation by browning it in a skillet. Introduce diced onions and cook until they become translucent and the meat loses its raw appearance. Eliminate excess grease and infuse the mixture with zesty taco seasoning.
- Construct the first architectural layer by placing a tortilla as the base. Generously spread refried beans across the tortilla, creating a creamy foundation. Distribute seasoned meat evenly and crown with a blanket of shredded cheddar.
- Position the next tortilla carefully atop the first layer. Distribute rice across the surface, creating a uniform landscape. Cascade salsa to add moisture and vibrant flavor. Sprinkle corn kernels for texture and color, then embellish with another layer of melting cheese.
- Continue the layering process with another tortilla. Repeat the bean and meat application, ensuring consistent coverage. Enhance with additional cheese to create a molten binding.
- Crown the casserole with the final tortilla. Apply remaining beans and meat as the ultimate layer. Strategically place remaining corn and rice, then flood with salsa. Complete the masterpiece with a final generous cheese coating.
- Shield the creation with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate layers. Bake for 40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly. Remove the foil for the final 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese surface.
- Extract from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly. This pause allows layers to settle and makes portioning more precise. Optional garnishes like cool sour cream, crisp lettuce, or fresh onions can elevate the presentation.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning to match your heat preference.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
- Enhance nutrition by adding black beans or chopped bell peppers during the meat layering process.
- Prep ingredients in advance to reduce cooking time and make assembly quicker and easier.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg