Zesty Mexican Fiesta Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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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!

Ingredients for Zesty Mexican Fiesta Casserole

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.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a spicier kick, consider using hotter salsa or adding chopped jalapeños.
  • For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
  • To make it vegetarian, skip the beef and double up on the beans or add sautéed mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Zesty Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

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.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
  • Layers of flavor from savory beef to zesty tomatoes.
  • Customizable for different tastes and dietary needs.
  • Satisfying and filling for the whole family.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup salsa
2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about 7 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips on the bottom.
6. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the shredded cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla strips, beef mixture, and cheese.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

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