Description
A festive and hearty Cinco de Mayo Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, corn, flour tortillas, and melted cheese, baked to perfection and topped with fresh salsa and sour cream. Perfect for a flavorful family meal or celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned drained or frozen)
Base and Dairy
- 6-8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Toppings
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning until the beef is evenly coated and fragrant.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, start by placing a layer of flour tortillas at the bottom. Spread an even layer of the seasoned ground beef over the tortillas, followed by refried beans, corn kernels, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a top layer of cheese to ensure a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve portions garnished with salsa and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add jalapeños or chopped green chilies for extra heat.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make it gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
