Indulge in the vibrant flavors of a classic Mexicali Casserole, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Layers of savory seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and tangy diced tomatoes with green chilies are nestled between soft flour tortillas and topped with melted Mexican blend cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal. This easy-to-make casserole is elevated with zesty spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, delivering a bold Tex-Mex punch in every bite. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and the option to garnish with creamy sour cream, fresh cilantro, and green onions, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether youβre craving comfort food or planning a festive dinner, the Mexicali Casserole is sure to be a hit!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. SautΓ© for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spread a small amount of the beef mixture (about 1/4 cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.
Place two flour tortillas in the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly to cover the surface.
Spread 1/3 of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded cheese evenly on top.
Repeat the layers (tortillas, beef mixture, cheese) two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
3630 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 199.8 g | 256% | |
| Saturated Fat | 99.7 g | 499% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 578 mg | 192% | |
| Sodium | 8432 mg | 367% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 283.4 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 47.2 g | 169% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.4 g | ||
| Protein | 196.7 g | 393% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 2513 mg | 193% | |
| Iron | 33.1 mg | 184% | |
| Potassium | 4176 mg | 89% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.