Mexican Tortilla Casserole

1. Prepare the Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spray a springform pan, round cake pan, or casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Beef and Onions:

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the taco seasoning mix to the skillet and cook according to the package directions, ensuring the beef is well-seasoned.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

• First Layer: Place one flour tortilla at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread 1/3 of the warmed refried beans over the tortilla, followed by 1/3 of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Second Layer: Add another tortilla, then spread half of the prepared rice over it. Layer with half of the salsa, half of the drained corn, and a portion of the shredded cheese.
• Third Layer: Place another tortilla on top, spread 1/3 of the refried beans, followed by 1/3 of the ground beef mixture, and sprinkle with cheese.
• Fourth Layer: Add the final tortilla, then layer with the remaining beans, the rest of the ground beef mixture, the remaining corn, rice, salsa, and a final sprinkle of shredded cheese.

4. Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes.
• After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Let It Rest:

• Once baked, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before cutting to allow it to set and make slicing easier.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Serve the casserole hot, optionally topped with sour cream, diced onion, and shredded lettuce for added flavor and texture.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: To make this casserole vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra beans.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing a mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your preference. You can also add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Cheese Variety: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.

Conclusion:

Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its layers of seasoned beef, beans, rice, corn, and cheese create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or at a casual get-together with friends, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of this Mexican-inspired dish and customize it to suit your tastes!