Cheesy and Flavorful Mexican Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

5 stars
4.71 (17)
Cheesy and Flavorful Mexican Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
65 mins
Total Time:
85mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on November 03, 2023

This Mexican Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines ground beef, spices, vegetables, tortillas, and cheese to create a flavorful and cheesy meal. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 45 minutes, this recipe is quick and easy to make. The casserole is packed with authentic Mexican flavors and will surely become a family favorite. Serve it with a side of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a complete and delicious meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla quarters on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
  6. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla quarters, beef mixture, and cheeses.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

  • Corn tortillas are used in this recipe to give the casserole an authentic Mexican flavor.
  • The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses adds a creamy and cheesy texture to the dish.
  • This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Just bake it for a little longer to ensure it's heated through.
  • Leftovers of this Mexican Ground Beef Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.