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Cheesy Mexican Beef Casserole - Comforting, Flavor-Packed, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional but adds sweetness)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional for extra warmth)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, mild or hot
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • 1.5 cups salsa (your favorite, mild to hot)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into strips or quarters
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Season it up: Sprinkle in taco seasoning and cumin. Stir to coat the beef and cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Add the mix-ins: Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chiles, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer 3–4 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Add creaminess: Turn off the heat and fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. This keeps the filling rich and prevents curdling in the oven.
  7. Layer the casserole: Place half the tortilla pieces in the baking dish. Spread half the beef mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
  8. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden around the edges.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let sit 5–10 minutes to set for cleaner slices. Top with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.