How to Make Fiesta Casserole

Southwestern flavors wrapped up in a casserole made using beef, corn tortillas, beans and cheese. So easy and so good.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Kidney beans, canned, about 19 ounces
  • 14 ounces tomatoes, approximate, undrained
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce, or 2 small cans
  • Green bell pepper
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded or grated
  • 4 corn tortillas

Steps

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    Preheat oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
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    Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick baking spray.
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    Shred cheese and place in refrigerator to keep cold.
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    Chop onion.
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    Chop bell pepper.
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    Mince garlic.
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    Brown ground beef, onion, bell pepper and garlic for about 5 minutes.
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    Add kidney beans. Do not drain beans before adding to ground beef mixture.
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    Add tomatoes.
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    Add tomato sauce.
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    Add green bell pepper.
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    Add spices, salt and pepper.
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    Bring to a boil.
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    Simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes or until thickened.
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    Stir occasionally while simmering sauce.
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    Preheat oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
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    Pour sauce mixture into prepared casserole dish.
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    Bake for about 30 minutes, or until mixture is bubbly.
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    Cut corn tortillas into 1-inch strips while casserole is baking.
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    Top casserole with corn tortilla strips.
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    Remove shredded cheese from the refrigerator.
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    Top casserole with cheese.
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    Bake until cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
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    Serves 6 amply.

Tips

  • Purchase grated or shredded cheese to speed the cooking process.
  • Purchase frozen chopped onion to speed the cooking process.
  • Purchase frozen chopped bell pepper to speed the cooking process.
  • Purchase refrigerated minced garlic to speed the cooking process.
  • Another thrifty party dish.

Things You'll Need

  • Chopping knife
  • Cutting board
  • Food grater or food processor to grate the cheese
  • Casserole dish
  • Oven mitts

Sources and Citations

  • Adapted from a Canadian Living recipe.

Article Info

Categories: Rice and Beans