Mexican Tortilla Casserole

### Mexican Tortilla Casserole: A Flavorful and Hearty Dish

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than **Mexican Tortilla Casserole**. This dish is a delicious fusion of classic Mexican ingredients like tortillas, seasoned meat, cheese, and salsa, all baked to perfection in a cheesy, savory casserole. It’s a great meal for family dinners, meal prepping, or even feeding a crowd at a party. The best part? It’s customizable to suit your tastes and can be made ahead of time for those busy nights.

#### Ingredients:
– **12 corn or flour tortillas**, cut into strips or quarters
– **1 lb ground beef** (or ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option)
– **1 onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 packet taco seasoning** (or homemade seasoning)
– **1 cup salsa** (use your favorite variety, mild or spicy)
– **1 can (15 oz) black beans**, drained and rinsed
– **1 cup corn kernels** (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– **2 cups shredded cheddar cheese** (or a Mexican cheese blend)
– **1/2 cup sour cream** (optional, for added creaminess)
– **1/4 cup chopped cilantro** (optional, for garnish)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste

#### Directions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and turns out bubbly and golden.

2. **Prepare the Meat:**
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef (or your choice of ground meat), breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and the taco seasoning packet (or your homemade blend). Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

3. **Add the Beans, Corn, and Salsa:**
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the black beans, corn, and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or taco seasoning.

4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the casserole by placing a portion of the tortilla strips at the bottom. Then, top with a portion of the meat mixture. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

5. **Bake:**
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden.

6. **Optional Creamy Touch:**
For an extra creamy texture, you can add dollops of sour cream on top of the casserole before baking or serve it alongside as a topping when serving.

7. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. You can also add extra toppings like sliced avocado, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to give it a personalized touch.

#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

– **Simple to Make**: The recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. There’s no need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple, comforting goodness.

– **Versatile**: You can customize this casserole with your favorite ingredients. Try adding bell peppers, olives, or even different types of cheese. If you prefer a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or use a spicy salsa.

– **Great for Meal Prep**: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can prepare it in advance for a future meal. Just bake it, cool it, and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw and bake.

– **Feeds a Crowd**: Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a perfect dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dinner with friends. It’s filling and satisfying, and it’s easy to multiply the recipe if you’re feeding a larger group.

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