Zesty Mexican Layered Casserole
This Zesty Mexican Layered Casserole is a delightful one-dish meal that combines rich flavors and textures in each layer. Featuring seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and a blend of creamy cheeses, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Topped with fresh tomatoes and olives, it offers a colorful and appetizing presentation. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1/2 lb (browned and drained)
whole kernel corn
1 (12 ounce) can (drained)
chunky salsa
1 (12 ounce) bottle (none)
ripe sliced olives
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can (drained and divided)
cream-style cottage cheese
1 cup (none)
sour cream
1 (8 ounce) carton (none)
tortilla chips
5 cups (divided)
shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese
2 cups (divided)
chopped tomato
1/2 cup (fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
3
Add the drained corn and chunky salsa to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through.
4
Reserve 2 tablespoons of sliced olives for garnish, then stir the remaining olives into the meat mixture.
5
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream-style cottage cheese and sour cream until well combined.
6
In a 2-quart casserole dish, create your first layer with 2 cups of tortilla chips.
7
Spread half of the meat mixture on top of the chips, followed by 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
8
Add half of the cottage cheese mixture as the next layer.
9
Repeat the layering process with the remaining chips, meat mixture, cottage cheese mixture, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
10
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
11
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and stand up the remaining tortilla chips around the edge of the casserole.
12
Top the casserole with chopped tomatoes, reserved olives, and any remaining cheddar cheese.
13
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mexican Layered Casserole?
It is a delightful one-dish meal that combines rich flavors and textures including seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy cheeses.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 9 distinct ingredients.
What amount of ground beef is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of ground beef.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
The ground beef should be browned over medium heat until no longer pink and then drained of excess fat.
What type of corn is used in the mixture?
One 12 ounce can of drained whole kernel corn is used.
What kind of salsa is recommended?
The recipe uses one 12 ounce bottle of chunky salsa.
How are the olives prepared and used?
One 2 1/4 ounce can of ripe sliced olives is drained, with 2 tablespoons reserved for garnish and the rest stirred into the meat.
What makes up the creamy cheese mixture?
The creamy layer is made by mixing 1 cup of cream-style cottage cheese and one 8 ounce carton of sour cream.
How many cups of tortilla chips are needed in total?
The recipe uses 5 cups of tortilla chips in total.
What specific cheese is suggested for this casserole?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The first layer consists of 2 cups of tortilla chips.
How is the meat mixture divided during layering?
Half of the meat mixture is spread on top of the first chip layer, and the other half is used in the second layering step.
How much cheese is used in the first layer?
3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used for the first cheese layer.
How long is the initial baking time?
The casserole is initially baked for 35 minutes.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, it should be covered with aluminum foil for the first 35 minutes of baking.
When do you add the decorative tortilla chips?
After the first 35 minutes of baking, remove the foil and stand the remaining chips around the edge of the casserole.
What fresh toppings are added near the end?
Chopped tomatoes, reserved olives, and the remaining cheddar cheese are added for the final bake.
How long is the final uncovered baking period?
The casserole is baked uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
It is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What kind of cottage cheese should I buy?
The recipe specifies cream-style cottage cheese.
How much sour cream is included?
One 8 ounce carton of sour cream is used.
How are the tomatoes prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of fresh chopped tomato.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly recipe and a hearty meal that everyone will love.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include mexican casserole, one dish meal, layered casserole, and comfort food.
What gives the dish a colorful presentation?
The topping of fresh tomatoes and olives offers a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Can I serve this with side dishes?
Yes, it is suggested to serve the casserole with your favorite sides.
How long do I cook the meat and salsa mixture on the stove?
Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow it to heat through.
How many cups of shredded cheese are used in total?
A total of 2 cups of shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese are used.