Description
This Mexican quesadilla casserole is a flavorful, cheesy dish that brings the comfort of a casserole and the bold flavors of quesadillas together. Layered with tortillas, seasoned meat, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 6 flour tortillas
- Non-stick cooking spray
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
For the Veggies & Beans:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with lime and cilantro
- 1 (8.75 oz) can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
- 1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained
For the Sauce & Spices:
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. - Cook the Meat and Onion:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, stirring until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease. - Combine the Filling Ingredients:
Add the tomato sauce, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and green chiles to the beef mixture. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. - Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread ½ cup of the beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place 3 tortillas over the beef mixture, overlapping if needed.
- Spread another ½ cup of the beef mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through. - Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Freezer Option: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Customization: Add jalapeños for spice, swap beef for chicken or plant-based meat, or use corn tortillas for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican