Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen! The Fiesta Bake is a delightful fusion of savory ground beef, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and gooey cheese, all layered between soft tortillas. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy gathering with friends, this recipe is not just easy to make but also guarantees to impress your guests. With just 50 minutes of prep and cook time, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this fiesta of flavors!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 6 tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Fiesta Bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help keep your dish from being greasy.
- Add 1 packet of taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef, along with 1 cup of water. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- While the beef is simmering, prepare the other ingredients. Drain 1 can of black beans and rinse them under cold water. Measure out 1 cup of corn and set it aside.
- Once the beef mixture is ready, remove it from the heat and stir in the black beans, corn, and 1 cup of salsa. Mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, start layering your ingredients. Begin with 2 tortillas at the bottom, tearing them if necessary to fit the dish.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process by adding 2 more tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and another cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Finish with the last 2 tortillas, and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the Fiesta Bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
- Slice into squares and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado on the side.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!
- Customize Your Layers: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even black olives for an extra kick!
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicy twist or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Fiesta Bake with a side of fresh guacamole, salsa, or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
