Tex-Mex Layered Delight

Description

The Tex-Mex Layered Delight offers a creative and flavor-packed twist on traditional lasagna. Infused with signature Southwest spices and layered with corn tortillas, this casserole blends the robust textures and tastes of ground meat, cheeses, and vegetables, anchored in a spiced tomato sauce. It’s an ideal dish for bringing a zesty variation to family dinners or for spicing up social gatherings.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 (14-ounce) can refried pinto beans
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes, preferably fire roasted
• 1 (7-ounce) can diced green Anaheim chiles
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 2 cups coarsely grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups coarsely grated mild cheddar cheese
• Sour cream, avocado, cilantro, iceberg lettuce for serving

Step-by-step Directions

1. Cook the Meat

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a sauté pan. Add ground meat with spices and cook until browned. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetable Sauce

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Mix in garlic, tomatoes, chiles, and oregano, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

3. Soften Tortillas

Heat 1/2 cup of olive oil in a skillet and lightly fry each tortilla, letting excess oil drain on paper towels.

4. Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13-inch dish, layer tortillas, refried beans, meat mixture, half the cheese, and sauce. Repeat and top with remaining cheese.

5. Bake

Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until bubbling. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time

• Servings: Serves 8-10
• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Cool completely before covering to store in the refrigerator, which will keep for up to 4 days.
• For freezing, wrap securely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Conclusion

The Tex-Mex Layered Delight is not just a meal but an experience for your taste buds. It’s packed with dynamic flavors and is both satisfying and comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to deliver warmth and joy to any table. Don’t forget to serve it with dollops of sour cream, fresh avocado slices, vibrant cilantro, and crispy lettuce to enhance the overall eating adventure.

Tex-Mex Layered Delight

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8-10 1x

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Description

The Tex-Mex Layered Delight offers a creative and flavor-packed twist on traditional lasagna. Infused with signature Southwest spices and layered with corn tortillas, this casserole blends the robust textures and tastes of ground meat, cheeses, and vegetables, anchored in a spiced tomato sauce. It’s an ideal dish for bringing a zesty variation to family dinners or for spicing up social gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 (14-ounce) can refried pinto beans
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes, preferably fire roasted
• 1 (7-ounce) can diced green Anaheim chiles
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 2 cups coarsely grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups coarsely grated mild cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Iceberg lettuce

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Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a sauté pan. Add ground meat with spices and cook until browned. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetable Sauce: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Mix in garlic, tomatoes, chiles, and oregano, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Soften Tortillas: Heat 1/2 cup of olive oil in a skillet and lightly fry each tortilla, letting excess oil drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch dish, layer tortillas, refried beans, meat mixture, half the cheese, and sauce. Repeat and top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until bubbling. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 35 minutes