Flavorful Fiesta Cheesy Casserole
This Flavorful Fiesta Cheesy Casserole is a delightful and hearty one-dish meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico right to your dinner table. It layers soft tortillas with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a medley of spicy jalapenos and zesty Ro-Tel tomatoes. Topped with a generous sprinkle of melted Mexican cheese and finished with a crunchy layer of nacho cheese Doritos, this casserole is sure to please everyone. Easy to customize, you can adjust the heat and flavor profile according to your taste preferences, making this dish a versatile favorite for any occasion. Perfect for busy weeknights, simply assemble, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fajita-size flour tortillas
6 (none)
Refried beans
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Ground beef
1 lb (browned)
Onion, chopped
1 cup (none)
Dried chipotle powder or dried ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Diced jalapeno peppers
1 (4 ounce) can (none)
Mexican cheese, shredded
1 (8 ounce) package (none)
Kidney beans or black beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Bisquick
1 cup (none)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Egg, beaten
1 (none)
Diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (none)
Nacho cheese flavor Doritos, crushed
1 (1 ounce) bag (crushed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the chipotle or ancho chile powder, ground cumin, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and diced jalapenos; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4
In a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish, line the bottom and sides with half of the tortillas, overlapping slightly if necessary.
5
Spread the refried beans evenly over the tortillas, creating a rich layer.
6
Top the beans with half of the ground beef mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded Mexican cheese over the beef.
7
Add another layer of refried beans on top, followed by the remaining ground beef mixture and the rest of the Mexican cheese.
8
In a mixing bowl, combine Bisquick, milk, and beaten egg. Stir in the diced green chilies until well mixed.
9
Pour the Bisquick mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring it covers the layers.
10
Sprinkle the crushed nacho cheese Doritos over the top for a deliciously crunchy finish.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.
12
Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your flavorful fiesta!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavorful Fiesta Cheesy Casserole?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, tortillas, and Mexican cheese, topped with a Bisquick crust and crushed Doritos.
What are the primary ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include ground beef, flour tortillas, refried beans, Mexican cheese, Ro-Tel tomatoes, jalapenos, and nacho cheese Doritos.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
The casserole should be baked in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one pound of ground beef, which should be browned before assembly.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can easily customize the protein by using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
What type of tortillas should I use?
The recipe recommends using six fajita-size flour tortillas.
What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?
An 8-ounce package of shredded Mexican cheese is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Are there beans included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses both refried beans and a can of drained kidney or black beans.
What gives the casserole its spicy kick?
The spice comes from chipotle or ancho chile powder, diced jalapenos, and Ro-Tel tomatoes.
How do I prepare the ground beef mixture?
Brown the beef with chopped onions, drain the fat, then stir in the chile powder, cumin, Ro-Tel, and jalapenos.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
How are the tortillas arranged in the dish?
Line the bottom and sides of the dish with half of the tortillas, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
What is the purpose of the Bisquick mixture?
The Bisquick mixture, combined with milk, egg, and green chilies, creates a golden savory crust over the casserole.
How do I make the Bisquick topping?
Stir together 1 cup of Bisquick, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 beaten egg, and a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies.
What is the final topping for the dish?
A 1-ounce bag of crushed nacho cheese flavor Doritos is sprinkled on top for a crunchy finish.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.
Should the casserole rest before serving?
Yes, allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking to help it set before slicing.
Can I adjust the level of heat in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapenos and chile powder.
What are Ro-Tel tomatoes?
Ro-Tel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes blended with green chilies and savory spices.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While the recipe calls for flour tortillas, corn tortillas can be used for a different texture and flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, a 13 x 9-inch casserole typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to be a simple 'assemble and bake' meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Do I need to drain the jalapenos and green chilies?
The recipe specifies using canned diced jalapenos and green chilies; typically, they are added with their juices or lightly drained depending on desired moisture.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The primary seasonings are dried chipotle or ancho chile powder and ground cumin.
Can I use different types of chips for the topping?
Yes, while Doritos are recommended, you could use plain tortilla chips or spicy corn chips for a variation.
How many layers are in the casserole?
There are multiple layers including tortillas, beans, beef, and cheese, repeated twice before the crust is added.
Is the onion cooked before adding it to the casserole?
Yes, the chopped onion is browned along with the ground beef in a skillet.
Can I add extra vegetables to the beef mixture?
Absolutely, you can add bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
What makes this a 'fiesta' casserole?
The combination of vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors like cumin, chilies, and beans gives it a festive, fiesta-like taste.