Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico right in your own kitchen with this delightful Mexican Tortilla Casserole. This dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and taste, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a festive gathering.

To start, you’ll need a pound of ground beef and half a cup of diced onion, which form the hearty base of this casserole. A pack of taco seasoning is added to infuse the meat with those classic, spicy Mexican flavors.

The casserole gets its rich, cheesy texture from two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Layered within are refried beans – a staple in Mexican cuisine. Warming them in the microwave beforehand makes them easier to spread.

A cup of prepared rice, like Minute Rice, adds a satisfying heartiness to the dish. The inclusion of a can of Mexican blend corn (drained) introduces a sweet, crunchy contrast. Remember, you’ll only need about half the can.

The layers are built with 4-5 large flour tortillas, which act as the perfect canvas for the flavorsome ingredients. An 8 oz can of thick, chunky salsa – you can choose mild or hot, depending on your preference – adds a zesty kick.

To prepare, you first spray a springform, round cake pan, or casserole dish with cooking spray. The ground beef and onion are browned and drained, then seasoned with the taco mix and cooked as per the packet’s instructions.

The layering begins with a tortilla at the bottom, topped with a third of the beans, a third of the meat mixture, and a sprinkle of cheese. The second layer comprises another tortilla, half of the rice, half of the salsa, half of the corn, and more cheese. The third layer repeats the first. The fourth and final layer is a tortilla topped with the remaining beans, meat, corn, rice, salsa, and a final sprinkle of cheese.

The casserole is baked covered with foil at 350°F for about 40 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before cutting into it. For an extra touch of freshness, top the baked casserole with sour cream, diced onion, and shredded lettuce, if desired.

This Mexican Tortilla Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 pack taco seasoning mix
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can refried beans (easier to spread if warmed in the microwave)
• 1 cup prepared rice (Minute Rice or similar)
• 1 can Mexican blend corn, drained (you will use about 1/2 can)
• 4-5 large flour tortillas
• 8 oz of thick, chunky salsa (mild or hot, according to your preference)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spray a springform pan, round cake pan, or casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef:
   • In a skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Once the beef is thoroughly cooked, drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the taco seasoning mix and prepare according to the package instructions.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Start by placing a flour tortilla at the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
   • Spread about 1/3 of the warmed refried beans on the tortilla.
   • Add a layer of 1/3 of the seasoned ground beef on top of the beans.
   • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef.
4. Second Layer:
   • Place another tortilla over the first layer.
   • Spread 1/2 of the prepared rice evenly over the tortilla.
   • Add 1/2 of the salsa and 1/2 of the drained Mexican corn.
   • Top with another layer of shredded cheese.
5. Third Layer:
   • Add another tortilla, followed by the remaining 1/3 of beans and 1/3 of the meat mixture.
   • Sprinkle another layer of cheese.
6. Fourth Layer:
   • Place the final tortilla.
   • Spread the remaining beans, meat, and the rest of the corn, rice, and salsa.
   • Finish with a final layer of shredded cheese.
7. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Serving:
   • Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before cutting. This allows it to set and makes it easier to serve.
   • If desired, top with sour cream, additional diced onion, and shredded lettuce for added flavor and texture.

Enjoy your delicious, layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole, perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering!