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Fiesta Mexican Casserole

Fiesta Mexican Casserole
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This Fiesta Mexican Casserole is a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dinner bursting with vibrant flavors. Featuring layers of tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a blend of zesty Mexican spices, this casserole is quick to assemble and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s family-friendly, versatile, and keeps well for leftovers, making it an ideal choice for a festive and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Beans

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 cup corn kernels, drained
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies or 1-2 jalapeños, diced (optional)

Base & Sauce

  • 6–8 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce

Cheese & Spices

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Shred the cooked chicken and warm the black beans and corn. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to prepare for sautéing, which will develop the base flavors of the casserole.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder to toast the spices slightly, enhancing their flavors.
  3. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, sautéed onion and garlic, salsa or enchilada sauce, and diced green chilies or jalapeños if using. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Start with a layer of warmed tortillas, then add a generous scoop of the chicken and bean mixture, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat layering until all filling is used, ending with a top layer of cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, indicating it’s ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
  • Warm tortillas before layering to prevent cracking.
  • Drain beans and corn well to avoid excess moisture and sogginess.
  • Adjust heat by adding fresh jalapeños or chipotle peppers according to your preference.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican casserole, chicken casserole, easy dinner, fiesta casserole, baked Mexican dish, family-friendly dinner, layered casserole

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/fiesta-mexican-casserole/