Delicious Mexican Casserole for a Cozy Night In
This hearty dish combines layers of seasoned meat, beans, vegetables, and cheese, all baked to perfection.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound Ground Chicken or Beef Browned and seasoned before layering.
Beans
- 1 can Black Beans 15 ounces, drained and rinsed.
Vegetables
- 1 cup Bell Peppers Diced (red, green, or yellow).
- 1 medium Onion Finely chopped.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
Sauces
- 1 can Tomato Sauce 15 ounces.
Spices
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder Adjust based on preference.
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Ground.
Seasoning
- to taste Salt and Pepper For seasoning.
Crunch
- 1 cup Tortilla Chips Crushed.
Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Cheese Cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Garnish
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro Chopped, optional.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken or beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and diced bell peppers to the skillet, sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring well for 2 minutes.
- Add black beans and tomato sauce, mix well, and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the chips, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with remaining chips, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.