Mexicali Casserole

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 you’re craving comfort food or planning a festive dinner, the Mexicali Casserole is sure to be a hit!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Spread a small amount of the beef mixture (about 1/4 cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Place two flour tortillas in the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly to cover the surface.

Step 7

Spread 1/3 of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded cheese evenly on top.

Step 8

Repeat the layers (tortillas, beef mixture, cheese) two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 12

Garnish with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2367.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3630.2

Total Fat 199.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 577.5mg	0%
Sodium 8432.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 283.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.2g	0%
Total Sugars 34.4g
Protein 196.7g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 2513.3mg	0%
Iron 33.1mg	0%
Potassium 4175.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.4%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 30.5%