Hearty Layered Fiesta Casserole
Bring the flavors of the Southwest to your dining table with this Hearty Layered Fiesta Casserole. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this dish combines seasoned ground beef, colorful peppers, zesty salsa, and gooey cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious. With layers of tender corn tortillas to hold everything together, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at potlucks and weeknight dinners alike. Just pop it in the oven, let the aromas fill your kitchen, and enjoy the fiesta!
8
Servings
343
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
green pepper
1 medium (chopped)
red pepper
1 medium (chopped)
salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
frozen corn
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed)
corn tortillas
12 (6 inch) (none)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped green and red peppers over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
Return the beef and pepper mixture to the skillet. Stir in the salsa, undrained diced tomatoes, and thawed corn. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
In a 13x9-inch baking pan, spoon approximately 1 cup of the meat mixture to create the first layer. Arrange 6 corn tortillas on top, overlapping them as needed.
5
Spread half of the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
6
Top with the remaining 6 tortillas, followed by the rest of the meat mixture to complete the layers. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.
8
Once baked, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
25g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Layered Fiesta Casserole?
It is a Southwest-inspired dish that combines seasoned ground beef, colorful peppers, zesty salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese layered with corn tortillas.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375%F (190%C).
What type of meat is used in this fiesta casserole?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of extra lean ground beef.
What kind of peppers are included in the recipe?
One medium green pepper and one medium red pepper, both chopped, are used.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes and keep them undrained.
What size jar of salsa is required?
You will need one 16-ounce jar of your favorite salsa.
How should the frozen corn be prepared?
You should use one 10-ounce package of frozen corn that has been thawed.
How many corn tortillas are needed for the layers?
The recipe requires 12 corn tortillas, specifically the 6-inch size.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided.
How do I prepare the ground beef mixture?
Brown the ground beef with the chopped green and red peppers in a large skillet over medium heat, then drain the fat.
When do I add the salsa and tomatoes?
After browning the beef and peppers, stir in the salsa, undrained tomatoes, and thawed corn, then bring to a gentle boil.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 13x9-inch baking pan is the recommended size for this casserole.
How is the first layer of the casserole assembled?
Start by spooning approximately 1 cup of the meat mixture into the bottom of the pan, then arrange 6 corn tortillas on top.
How many layers of meat and tortillas are there?
There are two main layers of meat and tortillas, topped with cheese.
Do I need to cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the initial baking period.
How long does the casserole need to bake initially?
Bake the covered casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it is heated through.
When do I add the remaining cheese?
Remove the foil after the initial baking time, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 5 minutes.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving to help the layers set.
What are the total calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 343 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 21g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
One serving contains 17g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is highly recommended for potlucks and family gatherings.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor, you can substitute it with a Mexican blend or Monterrey Jack.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include casserole, southwestern, beef, easy dinner, comfort food, layered, baked, and potluck.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is considered an easy dinner recipe with simple assembly steps.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to serve.
What makes this casserole nutritious?
It includes fresh peppers, tomatoes, corn, and extra lean beef for a balanced meal.
How do I know when the cheese is done?
The cheese is ready when it is completely melted and bubbly after the final 5 minutes of baking.