Zesty Mexican Fiesta Casserole
This Zesty Mexican Fiesta Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Inspired by a popular recipe from the Allrecipes community, this version includes hearty ingredients like seasoned ground beef, spicy salsa, and a variety of beans. The addition of creamy sour cream and crispy tortilla chips creates a mouthwatering layered delight. Optional enhancements such as minced garlic or diced jalapeno peppers offer extra flavor and heat, while the gooey melted cheddar cheese on top ties everything together beautifully. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to please all palates!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (ground)
salsa
2 cups (fresh or jarred)
chili beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
corn
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
tortilla chips
1 1/2 cups (crushed)
light sour cream
2 cups (not prepared)
black olives
1 (3 7/8 ounce) can (sliced and drained)
green onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
diced tomato
1 cup (can be fresh or drained from a can)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3
Add the salsa to the skillet with the beef, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4
Stir in the drained chili beans and the canned corn, cooking for just a few minutes until heated through.
5
In the prepared baking dish, spread the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom.
6
Spoon the beef mixture over the layer of tortilla chips, spreading it out evenly.
7
Dollop the light sour cream over the beef layer, smoothing it gently with the back of a spoon.
8
Sprinkle the sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes generously over the sour cream layer.
9
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and the edges start to bubble.
10
After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Zesty Mexican Fiesta Casserole.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is needed for this casserole?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is required.
How much ground beef is used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
How long should the beef and salsa mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
What kind of beans are included in the recipe?
One 16-ounce can of drained chili beans is used.
How many cups of salsa are needed?
You will need 2 cups of fresh or jarred salsa.
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The first layer consists of 1.5 cups of crushed tortilla chips spread across the bottom.
Should the corn be drained before adding?
Yes, use one 15-ounce can of drained corn.
What type of sour cream is recommended?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of light sour cream.
How many green onions should I use?
Use 3/4 cup of chopped green onions.
When do you add the shredded cheddar cheese?
Add the cheese after the initial 25-30 minute bake, then return to the oven for 5 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
Can I add extra heat to this dish?
Yes, optional diced jalapeno peppers can be added for extra flavor and heat.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 16.7g of fat per serving.
How much carbohydrate content does it have?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You can use 1 cup of fresh diced tomatoes or drained canned tomatoes.
How do you prepare the black olives?
Use one 3 7/8 ounce can of black olives that have been sliced and drained.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is between 30 and 35 minutes.
Should the beef be drained after browning?
Yes, drain any excess grease after browning the beef.
How do you apply the sour cream layer?
Dollop the sour cream over the beef and smooth it gently with the back of a spoon.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
This is a zesty, savory, and cheesy Mexican-inspired comfort dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is excellent for feeding a crowd or for weekly meal prepping.
What should I do after taking the casserole out of the oven?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I use garlic in this recipe?
Yes, minced garlic is a suggested optional enhancement for extra flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese are used for the topping.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, Mexican, easy, dinner, family, comfort food, and ground beef.