Description
Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole delivers a fiesta of flavors straight from traditional Mexican kitchens. Melted cheese, spicy proteins, and crisp tortillas combine into a hearty dish that brings comfort and excitement to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Meat:
- 1 pound (453.6 grams) ground beef
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 pack taco seasoning mix
Vegetables and Legumes:
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 can Mexican blend corn, drained
Grains and Starches:
- 1 cup prepared rice
- 4–5 large flour tortillas
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sauces and Condiments:
- 8 ounces (226.8 grams) thick chunky salsa, mild or hot
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage for easy removal.
- In a robust skillet, transform ground beef into a rich, crumbly texture over medium-high heat. Incorporate diced onions, cooking until onions become translucent and beef reaches a perfect brown hue.
- Infuse the meat mixture with vibrant taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly and eliminate excess grease.
- Construct the foundation layer by gently positioning a tortilla at the base of the prepared dish. Lavishly spread a portion of refried beans, creating a creamy base.
- Distribute seasoned beef generously over the bean layer, ensuring uniform coverage. Sprinkle a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the flavor profile.
- Carefully place another tortilla atop the first layer, creating a stable foundation for subsequent ingredients.
- Distribute rice across the tortilla, creating a golden blanket of texture. Cascade salsa evenly, allowing it to seep into the rice’s crevices.
- Scatter corn kernels strategically, providing bursts of sweetness and color. Crown this layer with another handful of melty cheddar cheese.
- Continue layering with alternating tortillas, refried beans, seasoned meat, and cheese, building a harmonious flavor landscape.
- For the ultimate layer, arrange the final tortilla and lavish it with remaining ingredients – beans, meat, corn, rice, and a final flourish of cheese.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier during initial baking. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 40 minutes.
- Unveil the foil for the final 10-15 minutes, encouraging the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, enabling layers to settle and making precise cutting easier.
- Embellish with optional garnishes like cool sour cream, crisp diced onions, or fresh shredded lettuce to elevate the presentation.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the taco seasoning mix or adding extra chili powder for more heat.
- Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
- Swap tortillas with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the layering process and reduce cooking stress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg