Irresistible Mexican Layered Casserole Recipe to Delight You

When you first encounter a Mexican Layered Casserole, your heart skips a beat. This vibrant dish boasts layers of spicy ground beef, black beans, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. The aromas waft through the air, teasing your senses and promising a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Picture yourself enjoying this delightful casserole on a cozy family night or at a lively taco Tuesday gathering with friends. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

Growing up, my family had a tradition of making this layered wonder whenever we celebrated special occasions. The laughter and chatter around the table were accompanied by the tantalizing scent of spices filling the room. Each bite was filled with warmth and love, making it not just a meal but an unforgettable memory. Trust me; this dish will quickly become your go-to for any festive gathering or casual weeknight dinner. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

I remember the first time I made this for my friends; their faces lit up like fireworks when they took their first bites.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor; about one pound works well.

• Black Beans: Canned black beans save time; rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content.

• Tortillas: Use soft flour tortillas for easy layering; corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option.

• Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack offers great meltability and flavor; feel free to mix it up.

• Salsa: Select your favorite salsa for added flavor; homemade or store-bought works well.

• Bell Peppers: Chop colorful bell peppers to add sweetness and crunch; red, yellow, or green varieties all work beautifully.

• Onion: Use yellow onions for their mild sweetness; sauté until translucent for optimal flavor.

• Spices: Cumin and chili powder bring depth—the more aromatic they are, the better!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Mexican Layered Casserole

First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large skillet over medium heat and spray it lightly with cooking oil. Then toss in one pound of ground beef along with diced onions. Brown the meat until fully cooked, stirring occasionally until no pink remains.

Next up: Drain those black beans and give them a good rinse under cool water. Once your meat is browned and fragrant, stir in the black beans along with chopped bell peppers and your chosen spices—trust me, this combo will elevate the flavor profile significantly.

Now it’s time to assemble: Take a large baking dish and spread some salsa at the bottom. Layer those tortillas like you’re building an edible skyscraper! Start with tortillas followed by meat mixture and cheese—repeat until you reach the top!

Cover it all with foil before sliding it into your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. This helps everything meld together beautifully while keeping that cheesy topping from burning.

After half an hour has passed: Remove the foil carefully (watch out for steam!) and let it bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Finally: Once out of the oven, let your masterpiece sit for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. This helps everything set up nicely so each slice holds together perfectly—no one wants a casserole that falls apart like bad relationships!

Serve warm garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices if desired; people will practically dive face-first into seconds!

This Mexican Layered Casserole is more than just food—it’s comfort wrapped in layers of love that surely brings everyone together around the table! Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning your meat with spices, then layer beans, cheese, and tortillas for even cooking. This sequence ensures each layer melds perfectly while delivering flavor in every bite.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also experiment with different cheeses for a unique taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

Sharing this casserole recipe brings back memories of hosting taco night with friends; they couldn’t get enough and left me with requests for more!

FAQ

What can I use instead of tortillas in the Mexican Layered Casserole?

Try using corn chips or polenta slices as an alternative base for a twist.

How long does it take to cook Mexican Layered Casserole?

The casserole typically takes about 30-40 minutes to bake at 375°F until bubbly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute meat with black beans or lentils and load up on veggies.

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Mexican Layered Casserole

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Mexican Layered Casserole is a vibrant, hearty dish that combines layers of spicy ground beef, black beans, and gooey cheese, all nestled between soft tortillas. Perfect for family gatherings or taco nights with friends, this casserole promises a flavor explosion in every bite.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 6 soft flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, spray with cooking oil. Add ground beef and onion; cook until browned.
3. Stir in black beans, bell pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. In a baking dish, spread some salsa at the bottom. Layer tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese repeatedly until ingredients are used up.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with cilantro or avocado slices.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Substitute ground beef with turkey or add more veggies like zucchini for variation. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F until warm.