Get ready for a burst of flavor with this Zesty Mexican Fiesta Casserole. It's a hearty, comforting dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico right to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together with friends!
Ground beef serves as the hearty base, offering a savory richness that satisfies. Add taco seasoning to give it that classic Mexican flavor we all crave. The onion and garlic bring depth and aromatic warmth. Black beans add a creamy texture and a protein punch, while corn offers a sweet contrast. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a spicy kick, balanced by the tang of salsa. Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully, giving you that gooey, satisfying top layer. Corn tortillas add structure and a pleasant chewy texture. Finish it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Pair this casserole with a simple side salad of mixed greens, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette to keep the meal fresh. You could also serve it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or a side of Mexican rice for a fuller meal.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready to go once you've prepped everything. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it's browned and fully cooked, which should take about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them with the beef until the onion turns translucent, around 3 minutes. This step helps develop more depth in flavor. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and start layering. Lay down half of the tortilla strips covering the bottom evenly. Spread half of your beef mixture over the tortillas, ensuring it's distributed well. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the top. Repeat these layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep everything moist, and bake it in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will give the cheese time to get bubbly and golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro.