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+ servings
Golden melted cheese topping with fresh garnish

Heavenly Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
This Heavenly Mexican Tortilla Casserole layers tortillas, ground beef, refried beans, rice, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar cheese into a hearty, oven-baked dish full of bold flavors.
12 Servings

Ingredients

  • 5 large flour tortillas
  • pounds lean ground beef
  • ½ large onion finely chopped
  • 1 package taco seasoning mix
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chiles drained
  • ½ can corn drained
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Green onions chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Oven and Meat

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Stir in the taco seasoning, cooking briefly to allow flavors to meld.

Prepare the Baking Pan

  1. Use a springform pan or casserole dish approximately the size of the tortillas. Spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and serving.

Begin Layering

  1. Place one tortilla at the bottom of the prepared pan. Add half the rice, half the Rotel tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.

Continue Layering

  1. Place another tortilla on top. Add one-third of the beef mixture, one-third of the refried beans, half the corn, and a layer of cheddar cheese.
  2. Repeat with another tortilla, one-third of the beans, one-third of the meat, half the remaining Rotel, and cheddar cheese.

Final Layers

  1. For the next layer, use a tortilla, the last of the beans, the last of the meat, the remaining corn, the rest of the rice, and more cheddar cheese. Place a final tortilla on top and cover with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake

  1. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove from the oven, allow to rest briefly, and garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

To prepare this casserole gluten-free, substitute the flour tortillas with certified gluten-free corn tortillas. Additionally, ensure the taco seasoning mix and refried beans used are gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden wheat-based additives.
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