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Savory Cheesy Baked Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

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A quick and easy cheesy Mexican casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, tortillas, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce (plain or lightly seasoned)
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, optional)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 8 small or 6 large flour tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans if using. Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Cut tortillas into quarters to prepare for layering.
  6. Layer the casserole starting with a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla pieces, then sprinkle about one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with a thick cheese layer on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

If cheese browns too quickly, tent casserole with foil halfway through baking. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce between layers to keep moist. Leftovers taste better the next day. Can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for leaner option. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free. Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast can be used for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, baked casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/savory-cheesy-baked-mexican-casserole-with-ground-beef-recipe-made-easy/