MEXICAN CASSEROLE

Here’s a recipe for a delicious Mexican casserole:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 bag (9 oz) tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined.
8. In a large casserole dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
9. Pour half of the beef mixture over the chips and spread it out evenly.
10. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
11. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture and another layer of shredded cheese.
12. Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips and a final layer of shredded cheese.
13. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired.
16. Serve hot and enjoy!

This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit every time!