Spicy Mexican Casserole Fiesta 🌶️

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This Spicy Mexican Casserole Fiesta is a fiesta of flavors packed into one delicious dish! Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and melted cheese are topped with a crispy tortilla chip crust for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfectly spiced with chili powder, cumin, and jalapeños, this casserole brings the heat while still being customizable to suit your spice tolerance. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold and Spicy: Packed with zesty spices and fresh jalapeños for a kick of heat.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add toppings, or swap ingredients to make it your own.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup—everything bakes in one dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar/jack cheese)
  • Optional: 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (for extra spice)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, sliced avocado, or lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and optional jalapeños. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.

3. Assemble the Casserole

  1. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  2. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the beef mixture.

4. Add the Topping

  1. Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the cheese layer.
  2. Top with an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese for extra gooeyness.


 

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