MEXICAN CASSEROLE

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.

2. **Cook the Ground Beef:**
– In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the ground beef (or your chosen meat) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
– Stir in the taco seasoning and cook according to the packet instructions. If you’re using homemade seasoning, add a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add a little water to help the seasoning blend with the meat.

3. **Prepare the Casserole:**
– Once the beef is cooked and seasoned, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies (if using). Stir to combine everything.
– In the prepared baking dish, spread a layer of **tortilla chips** or **torn flour tortillas** on the bottom. This will serve as the base layer of your casserole.
– Spoon half of the beef and vegetable mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
– Repeat the layers: another layer of chips/tortillas, the rest of the beef mixture, and the remaining cheese.

4. **Bake the Casserole:**
– Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. If desired, top with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
– Serve hot, alongside some Mexican rice, a fresh salad, or a side of guacamole.

### **Tips for the Best Mexican Casserole**

– **Make it Spicy or Mild:** Adjust the heat level to your preference by choosing mild or spicy salsa, and adding more or less of the diced green chilies.

– **Use Your Favorite Cheese:** For a creamier texture, try adding cream cheese between layers, or use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack for a more complex flavor profile.

– **Add Veggies:** If you want to make your casserole even heartier, consider adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the mix. These veggies blend in seamlessly with the other ingredients.

– **Go Vegetarian:** For a meat-free option, substitute the ground beef with an extra can of beans (black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans), and add some extra vegetables like bell peppers and corn.

– **Make it Ahead:** This casserole can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze it before baking, then cook it from frozen when you’re ready to serve.

### **Why You Should Try Mexican Casserole**

– **A Meal in One Dish:** Mexican casserole is a one-pan wonder. With all the layers of flavor, it’s an easy-to-assemble dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend family dinner.

– **Hearty and Filling:** The combination of beans, meat, cheese, and chips makes for a filling meal that will keep you satisfied without needing a lot of sides.

– **Budget-Friendly:** This casserole is made with affordable ingredients that you probably already have on hand, making it a great meal option for those on a budget.

– **Perfect for Customization:** Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or a vegetarian version, you can easily swap ingredients to make this casserole suit your tastes.

### **Conclusion**

**Mexican Casserole** is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for bold, comforting food. With its hearty layers of seasoned meat, beans, corn, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or to share with friends, this Mexican casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out today, and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness of this classic dish!