Southwest Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings together the bold tastes of the Southwest in one delicious bake. This casserole is packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and layers of gooey cheese, all seasoned with smoky spices. It’s a perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights or gatherings, offering a comforting blend of textures and flavors. Serve it with sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips for an extra kick, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 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
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips
- Fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 5 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- In the prepared casserole dish, spread a layer of the beef and bean mixture. Top with a layer of tortilla strips, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining mixture, tortillas, and cheese, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado if desired.
This Southwest casserole is a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping ahead for busy nights!
