Mexican Casserole

This Mexican Casserole is a convenient and flavorful dish featuring a medley of ground beef, black beans, corn, and tomatoes seasoned with taco spices. Layered with corn tortillas and topped with a blend of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro, it’s a satisfying and freezer-friendly meal.

Mexican Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb extra lean ground beef (drained or rinsed!)
• ½ cup onion (chopped)
• ¼ cup canned jalapeno slices, chopped
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped, or 1 (15-ounce) can diced canned tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can kernel corn (drained)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (1¼ ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 8 corn tortillas
• ¾ cup nonfat sour cream
• ⅓ cup reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, shredded
• ⅓ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste

How to Make:

1. Brown extra lean ground beef and chopped onions in a large skillet over medium heat; cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, stirring constantly. Drain well and rinse with warm water to remove excess fat; return beef and onions to the skillet.
2. Add corn, black beans, tomatoes, chopped chilies/jalapenos, and taco seasoning mix to the skillet; mix well. Reduce heat; simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, spray a 12×8-inch (2-quart) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cut each tortilla in half; place 8 halves in the bottom of the sprayed baking dish, overlapping slightly.
4. Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Spread sour cream over the beef mixture; spread evenly.
5. Top with the remaining 8 tortilla halves and the remaining beef mixture.
6. Cover tightly with foil for freezing later or proceed to bake.

To Freeze for Later:

1. Prepare the casserole as instructed.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
3. Label with cooking instructions and freeze.

To Bake from Frozen:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Remove the frozen casserole from the freezer.
3. Bake covered for 1 hour, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Tips:

• Customize with your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole.
• Substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if preferred.
• Make a double batch and freeze one for later for a quick and delicious meal.

Enjoy this hearty Mexican Casserole with your favorite toppings and share the joy of a flavorful, home-cooked dish!