Pams Mexican Casserole Recipe

Ever wondered how to bring together the cozy comfort of enchiladas and the zesty excitement of a taco night into one dish? Let me introduce you to this Tex-Mex masterpiece that’s about to become your new obsession.

I love crafting filling meals that are just right for family dinners, and Pam’s Mexican Casserole is one that I hold dear. The casserole has ground beef and a subtly garlic-forward flavor, but that’s just the beginning.

Black beans and spicy diced tomatoes join the mix, and somehow all that flavor and all those nutritious ingredients don’t end up gumming up the works. Instead, the dish emerges from the oven bubbling with melted Mexican cheese on top.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein, adds hearty flavor and texture.
• Black Beans: High in fiber and protein, adds creaminess and nutrients.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Provides acidity and mild heat.
• Mexican Cheese Blend: Creamy, melts well, adds richness.
• Enchilada Sauce: Savory and spicy, deepens flavor.
• Corn Tortillas: Basis for layers, offers structure and slight sweetness.
• Green Chiles: Adds subtle heat, peppery aroma.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fat, enhances flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (4 ounces) green chiles, diced
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)
• Avocado slices (optional, for serving)

How to Make this

1. The oven should be heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

2. In a big skillet, warm the olive oil on medium heat. Add in the diced onion and the minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is clear, which should take about 3 minutes.

3. Place the ground beef in the skillet, and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, so that it browns evenly. If it begins to look too brown, turn down the heat. Drain excess fat if necessary. And if you’re not using it in this recipe, feel free to add any of the seasonings below to the beef as it cooks.

4. Combine the taco seasoning into a large skillet of ground beef over medium heat, making certain the beef is well-coated with the spices. Stir in the following:

– black beans
– tomatoes with green chiles (diced)
– enchilada sauce
– diced green chiles

Mix well. Let the mixture continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend and the mixture to heat through.

5. Add the right amounts of salt and pepper to taste to the mixture. Season it.

6. Cover the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of the beef mixture.

7. Place half of the corn tortillas, which you have quartered, over the ground beef mixture. Spread half of the ground beef mixture remaining and 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend over the tortillas.

8. Layer the remaining tortillas, the beef mixture, and the last cup of cheese to form another set of layers.

9. Enclose the dish in aluminum foil and place it in the oven, which should already be at a temperature set to medium high, for a period of 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, baking within the confines of the foil, carefully take off the foil and continue cooking (baking) the dish uncovered for no less than 10 more minutes.

10. Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for some minutes. If you like, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Serve it with a generous dollop of sour cream and sliced avocados. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Spatula
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Can opener
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups
9. 9×13-inch baking dish
10. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?A: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute, and the dish will be even leaner if you use it.
• Q: Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?A: Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but the texture compared to corn tortillas will be softer.
• Q: How spicy is this casserole?A: The casserole contains a moderate amount of spice. For a milder casserole, you can skip the green chiles.
• Q: What can I use instead of a taco seasoning packet?A: By blending chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, you can create your own.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Put uncooked food in the freezer. For leftovers, use the refrigerator or freezer. They are safe to eat for the next 3 days if kept in the refrigerator. Use the oven or microwave to reheat.
• Q: Can I freeze the casserole?A: Yes, it can be frozen either unbaked or baked. You have up to 3 months to freeze it. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before continuing with the reheating or baking process.

Pams Mexican Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used to substitute ground beef in a recipe calling for 1 pound.
One medium onion, chopped, can be replaced with one tablespoon of onion powder.
1 can (15 ounces) black beans can be substituted with kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed.
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles can be exchanged for an equal amount of standard diced tomatoes and one fresh jalapeño, diced.
A combination of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend.

Pro Tips

1. Layer Enhancement For extra flavor, sprinkle a small amount of cheese between the layers of tortillas and beef mixture, not just on top. This will add more cheesy goodness throughout the dish.

2. Homemade Taco Seasoning For a fresher taste, consider making your own taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

3. Tortilla Prep Lightly toast the corn tortillas in a dry skillet before cutting and layering them. This can prevent them from becoming too soggy in the casserole.

4. Vegetable Additions Include additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn kernels for more texture and nutrition. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for best results.

5. Rest Time Allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.