Description
Zesty tex-mex layered delight brings bold southwestern flavors to your table. Layers of spicy meat, creamy cheese, and crisp vegetables create a satisfying meal that friends and family will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¼ lbs (0.57 kg) ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 cups (473 ml) Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated
- 2 cups (473 ml) mild cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
- 1 (14 oz / 397 g) can refried pinto beans
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (7 oz / 198 g) can diced green Anaheim chiles
- 1 (28 oz / 794 g) can crushed or diced tomatoes, preferably fire roasted
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander seeds
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 12 (6-inch / 15 cm) corn tortillas
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sour cream
- Iceberg lettuce
- Avocado
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Brown ground meat with spices, creating rich, deep flavors. Remove meat and set aside.
- Vegetable Sauce Creation: In the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic, diced tomatoes, chiles, and oregano. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Tortilla Preparation: Lightly fry tortillas in hot olive oil until pliable and slightly crisp. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Layering Assembly: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create strategic layers. Start with tortillas as the base, then add refried beans, seasoned meat, cheese, and vegetable sauce. Repeat layering process, finishing with a generous cheese topping.
- Baking and Serving: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until edges bubble and cheese melts into a golden crust. Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to settle before serving.
Notes
- Meat Browning Tip: Ensure ground meat is browned at medium-high heat to develop rich, caramelized flavors and prevent soggy texture.
- Tortilla Technique: Briefly frying tortillas creates a crisp base that prevents sogginess and enhances overall dish texture and flavor absorption.
- Layering Strategy: Build even layers with consistent ingredient distribution to guarantee balanced bites and optimal flavor in every serving.
- Resting Rule: Allow the casserole to rest 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps layers set and flavors meld together, improving overall taste and presentation.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg