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Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole


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  • Author: Olivia Harper
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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