Mexican Casserole

One of my all time favorite types of food is Mexican.  I just love it! I think you can take something like this casserole and customize it to fit your own personal tastes.  So many possibilities.

This is a quick weeknight dinner that can be made in about an hour.  Your whole family will love it and you could spice it up as much or as little as you want. I personally loved how the bottom layer of tortilla got crispy while baking, making sort of a crust.  Delicious!  My husband loved this so much that I only got to have one little slice of leftovers before it was gone.  In our house, that's a sign of a good meal.  This will be baking a comeback soon at our house.

Mexican Casserole

Recipe from Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 6 - (6 inches) flour tortillas
• 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• toppings such as chopped up lettuce, black olives, sour cream, tomatoes (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350º
2. Spray a 2 1/2 quart round baking dish with non-stick spray and then line the bottom with 3 tortillas.  Set aside. 
3. In a large skillet, brown the beef (or turkey) and then drain off the fat.  Add the taco seasoning packet and the water and bring to a boil, then let simmer for 5 minutes. 
4. Meanwhile in a medium microwave safe bowl, heat the beans and the salsa until warm and spreadable. 
5. Spread half the meat mixture on top of the tortillas from the dish you prepared. 
6. Top with half the bean/salsa mixture and then half the corn and cheese. 
7. Repeat for the second layer beginning with the remaining three tortillas. 
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.  Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Top with optional toppings if desired.