Mexican Fiesta Layered Casserole

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Recipe Category: Rice
Keywords: Beans, Mexican, Potluck, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Aggregated Rating: 3.5 (based on 2 reviews)
Calories: 381.8 per serving
Fat Content: 24.7g
Saturated Fat Content: 13.7g
Cholesterol Content: 60.8mg
Sodium Content: 834.1mg
Carbohydrate Content: 28.1g
Fiber Content: 1.4g
Sugar Content: 3.1g
Protein Content: 12.6g

Description:

This Layered Mexican Casserole is a favorite among Tex-Mex enthusiasts and perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal. It’s versatile enough to be made with taco-seasoned ground beef, diced chicken, or as a meatless dish for those occasions when you want to go vegetarian.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Spanish rice
• 1 package corn tortillas
• 6 whole wheat tortillas
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can Rotel Tomatoes
• 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare Tortillas: Tear the corn and whole wheat tortillas into small squares.

4. Layering:

   • Arrange a layer of torn corn tortillas at the bottom of the greased dish.
   • Spread the can of beans over the tortilla layer.
   • Add the cooked Spanish rice on top of the beans.
   • Create another layer using the torn whole wheat tortillas.

5. Sour Cream Mixture: In a bowl, mix the sour cream and Rotel Tomatoes together until well combined.

6. Assembly:

   • Pour the sour cream and Rotel mixture evenly over the top layer of torn tortillas.
   • Sprinkle the desired amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.

7. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips:

• Variations: Customize this casserole by adding your favorite toppings such as sliced black olives, diced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice.

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve. Adjust baking time if cooking from chilled.

• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

This Layered Mexican Casserole combines the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a casserole dish, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Enjoy the hearty textures and bold flavors in every bite!