Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into how to make this easy and satisfying casserole.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Beef Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give it time to heat up while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Next, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, break it up into small crumbles with a spatula. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Add the diced onion to the pan with the beef and cook it for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This step helps mellow the onion’s flavor and ensures that it blends seamlessly into the beef.
Now, stir in the taco seasoning and the salsa. Allow this mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes. The salsa adds moisture and flavor, while the taco seasoning infuses the beef with that classic Tex-Mex taste. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the beef mixture simmers, it’s time to make the creamy sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup) and the sour cream. Stir them together until smooth and well-combined. This will be the creamy base that holds everything together and adds richness to the dish.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to layer everything! Start by spreading a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This helps prevent the tortillas from sticking to the pan.
Then, place a layer of tortillas on top of the sauce. You can cut the tortillas into strips or squares to make them fit the shape of your dish better. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure the tortillas cover most of the surface.
Add a layer of the beef mixture, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, until everything is used up. Make sure the top layer ends with the creamy sauce and a final sprinkle of cheese to ensure a bubbly, golden crust.
4. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown. If you like your cheese extra crispy, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
5. Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Serve the casserole with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, extra sour cream, or sliced avocado. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
While the basic version of this casserole is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your taste. Here are a few tips and variations you can try:
1. Make it Vegetarian
If you want to make this casserole vegetarian, you can easily substitute the ground beef with beans or a plant-based meat substitute. Try using black beans, refried beans, or even a combination of corn and bell peppers for a hearty, meat-free filling.
2. Spice It Up
If you love heat, you can amp up the spice level by adding jalapeños to the beef mixture or by using spicy salsa. You could also sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili flakes on top before baking.
3. Use Corn Tortillas for a Different Texture
For a more authentic Tex-Mex flavor, swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas. They’ll add a slightly firmer texture and a slightly different flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
4. Make It Ahead of Time
One of the best things about casseroles is that they can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
5. Add Veggies
You can sneak some extra veggies into the casserole by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture. This is an excellent way to boost the nutritional content and add a pop of color to the dish.
6. Switch Up the Cheese
While cheddar and Mexican blend cheese are classic choices, you can switch things up by using Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even queso fresco. These cheeses will melt beautifully and add a slightly different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside a few side dishes to make it even more filling and fun. Here are a few ideas:
- Mexican rice or Spanish rice – A perfect side to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Refried beans – A classic Tex-Mex side that complements the casserole.
- A simple side salad – Try a mix of lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Tortilla chips and salsa – For some extra crunch and dipping fun.
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