Mexican > Casseroles

Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and red bell pepper over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain.

3. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine.

4. In the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips.

5. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortilla strips.

6. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.

7. Repeat layers with remaining tortilla strips, beef mixture, and shredded cheese.

8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top of the casserole.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 390
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 89mg
Sodium: 854mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 28g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Pinto beans can be substituted for black beans.
- Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted for cheddar cheese.
- Flour tortillas can be substituted for corn tortillas.

Variations:
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use ground pork instead of ground beef.
- Top with avocado slices before serving.

Tips and tricks:
- To make the casserole spicier, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes and green chilies before adding them to the skillet.
- If you don't have a skillet, you can cook the beef mixture in a large pot.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the casserole on a platter with a side of sour cream and guacamole.

Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and avocado slices.

Pairings:
Serve with a side of Mexican rice and a green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
Mexican rice, green salad, chips and salsa.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the casserole is too dry, add a little bit of chicken broth or water to the beef mixture before layering.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Tortilla casserole, also known as enchilada casserole, is a popular Mexican-American dish that originated in the southwestern United States.

Flavor profiles:
Spicy, savory, cheesy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of sour cream and guacamole.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Mexican

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Tangy, Cheesy, Herby, Zesty