Hearty Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar (Print version)
A hearty Mexican-inspired ground beef casserole with beans, tomatoes, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted cheddar.
# Ingredients:
For the beef filling
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
03 -
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
06 -
1 can (15 oz or 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 -
1 can (10 oz or 283 g) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
08 -
1 cup (165 g) corn kernels, frozen or canned and drained
09 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) mild red enchilada sauce
10 -
1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
For layering and serving
11 -
5 cups sturdy tortilla chips, lightly crushed
12 -
2 cups (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded and divided
13 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
14 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced
15 -
Salsa, sour cream, and sliced jalapenos, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
03 -
Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and taco seasoning and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 -
Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, and enchilada sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is thick but still saucy.
05 -
Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 -
Spread half the crushed tortilla chips in the baking dish. Spoon half the beef mixture over the chips and sprinkle with half the cheddar. Repeat with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheddar.
07 -
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 8-10 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and the edges bubble.
08 -
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing or scooping. Top with cilantro, green onions, salsa, sour cream, and jalapenos as desired.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served after a 10 minute rest so the layers hold together.
02 -
Use thick restaurant-style tortilla chips for the best texture.
03 -
Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.