Ingredients
- 2 lbs 93% lean ground beef (or meatless crumbles)
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium taco seasoning
- 12 medium corn tortillas
- 15 oz can fat-free refried beans
- 1/2 cup white or yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups red and green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups sweet corn, canned or thawed from frozen
- 4 oz can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 8 oz can red enchilada sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese (can use dairy-free)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Place 6 corn tortillas on the bottom of your dish, overlapping them slightly. Save the other 6 tortillas for the second layer.
Step 3: Warm the refried beans in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. This makes them easier to spread. Use a spoon to spread half the beans over the tortillas.
Step 4: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and add the taco seasoning. Spread half of this seasoned beef over the beans in your casserole dish.
Step 5: In the same skillet, cook the onions and bell peppers with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender.
Step 6: Add the corn, cilantro, and green chilies to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Spread half the vegetable mixture over the beef layer, then pour half the enchilada sauce on top. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of cheese over everything.
Step 8: Repeat all the layers again – 6 more tortillas, remaining beans, remaining beef, remaining vegetables, remaining enchilada sauce, and remaining cheese.
Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the casserole heats through.
Step 10: Let it cool for 5 minutes, then cut into 6-8 portions.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ground beef reaches 160°F for food safety.
- If your tortillas seem dry, brush them lightly with oil before layering.
- Let the casserole rest after baking – this helps the layers set and prevents them from falling apart when serving.
- Mixing different types of cheese.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your beef.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 308 kcal
- Sugar: 1.48 g
- Sodium: 287 mg
- Fat: 18.23 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.35 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.61 g
- Carbohydrates: 21.31 g
- Fiber: 3.7 g
- Protein: 15.38 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg