Fiesta Slow Cooker Casserole a Lazy Cooks Mexican Dream
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a Crock Pot Mexican Casserole that practically cooks itself? I know I do! This recipe is proper lush and delivers a fiesta of flavors.
It's like a warm hug on a plate.
Brief Overview
This Mexican Casserole Recipe is inspired by classic south-of-the-border flavors. It’s easy enough for a beginner and only takes about 15 minutes to prep. It feeds 6-8 people.
Main Benefits
This recipe is a brilliant way to get a hearty and healthy comfort food fix. It's perfect for a family get-together or a casual night in.
What makes this Crockpot Mexican Casserole special is its ease and bold flavors.
What’s the Deal With This Casserole, Then?
Let’s be honest, we all love a good dump and go Mexican casserole meal, right? This is it!
Ingredients, Get Ready!
Right, you'll need ground beef, onions, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, Rotel, salsa, tortillas, and cheese. Sorted?
Why This Mexican Casserole with Tortillas is The Business.
This isn’t your average bake. The layers of flavour meld together during slow cooking. It makes for a cheesy crockpot Mexican casserole that will have everyone fighting for seconds.
More on That "Ease" Factor
Honestly, this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I’ve whipped it up when I barely had the energy to boil an egg.
Pop it in the Crock Pot Dinners and come back to a feast.
Nutritional Natter
Each serving clocks in around 450 calories. It boasts 30g of protein and only 5g of fiber. So, it is a tasty and relatively guilt free treat.
My Own Mexican Misadventure!
I attempted to make something similar once. I ended up with a burnt offering that resembled shoe leather! This recipe, though? Foolproof.
How To Get The Best Results
The cheese, lads, is key. You want it melty and gooey. Don't skimp on the cheddar, eh?
This is a Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna
Ultimately, this is a layered masterpiece. You can almost think about it as a Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna . If this doesn't appeal to you, then I don't know what will.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk Crock Pot Mexican Casserole ingredients. This ain't rocket science, promise. It's more of a lazy Sunday, dump and go Mexican casserole kinda vibe.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Casserole
- Ground Beef: You'll need 1 pound (450g) . Go for lean. Nobody likes a greasy casserole, eh? If the beef is too fatty, you have to wash it after cooking.
- Onion: Just 1 large , chopped. Yellow or white, dealer's choice. I feel like a red one could add a sweeter touch!
- Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) . Pre-made saves time, yeah?
- Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounce/425g) , rinsed and drained. Rinsing gets rid of the funny bean juice.
- Corn: 1 can (15 ounce/425g) , drained. Sweetcorn gives it a nice pop of sweetness.
- Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (Rotel): 1 can (10 ounce/280g) , undrained. Don't drain these! The juice is flavour.
- Salsa: 1 jar (16 ounce/450g) . Mild, medium, hot. Up to you, bruv!
- Tortillas: 8-10 (6 inch) corn or flour, quartered. I like corn for that proper Mexican casserole with tortillas flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g) shredded. Cheddar or a Cheesy Crockpot Mexican Casserole mix. Makes it all melty and delicious.
For beef, look for bright red color and minimal fat. It shows it's fresh and good quality.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Taco seasoning is key, obviously. But add a pinch of cumin. A tiny bit of smoked paprika can make all the difference.
It just kicks things up a notch, you know? If you don't have taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper will do the trick.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker . This is essential.
- Large skillet. For browning the meat, obviously.
- Spatula. For stirring and scooping.
- Measuring cups and spoons. If you must. I eyeball most things.
If you haven't got a fancy skillet, a normal frying pan will do. No biggie. I've even used a saucepan in a pinch.
The great thing about this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is how forgiving it is. It is a Healthy Comfort Food to make.
Don't stress too much about exact measurements. Just have fun. Call it a Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna or the Crockpot Mexican Casserole , it's all about flavour!
Fiesta Slow Cooker Casserole: A Lazy Cook's Mexican Dream
Fancy a Mexican Casserole that practically cooks itself? Then stick around, buttercup! This Crock Pot Mexican Casserole is the business.
A super Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe , that's a proper Dump and Go Mexican Casserole situation. Honestly, you’ll be saying “Olé!” before you know it.
Let's get this fiesta started, eh?
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!
First things first, the mise en place , yeah? Chop an onion. Get your beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and shredded cheese at the ready.
Brown a pound (450g) of ground beef in a large skillet. This is a no-brainer. Drain any grease to keep this a Healthy Comfort Food option.
Organisation is key, my friend.
step-by-step: From Zero to Hero
- Brown 450g of ground beef. Drain the fat.
- Stir in your chopped onion. Add 1 ounce (28g) of taco seasoning. Cook for 3- 5 minutes .
- Layer in your slow cooker: Salsa, tortillas, meat, black beans (425g), corn (425g), tomatoes (280g), cheese.
- Repeat the layers. Finish with a cheesy top.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours . Or cook on high for 3- 4 hours .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Game!
Here’s a secret. Don't overcook it! Overcooked tortillas get mushy. Use decent cheddar cheese or a Cheesy Crockpot Mexican Casserole blend.
Splurge a bit. Seriously. Want a Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna ? Layer the tortillas flat, like lasagna sheets. Easy peasy! If it looks dry, add a splash of beef broth or water.
A little bit goes a long way!
Alright, so you've got this Crock Pot Mexican Casserole bubbling away, smelling amazing. But what's next? Let's chat about how to make it truly epic .
Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Fiesta Slow Cooker Casserole
Honestly, this Mexican Casserole Recipe is super flexible. Think of these notes as your personal guide to Crock Pot Dinners success. It's your chance to riff and make it your own, innit?
Presentation is Key: Plating Like a Pro
Right, so you've got this amazing Mexican Casserole with Tortillas ...don't just dump it on a plate! A little effort goes a long way.
Try a nice scoop, top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a sliver of avocado.
It's like turning a Dump and Go Mexican Casserole into something fancy, eh?
As for sides, I'm a sucker for simple: some crunchy tortilla chips and a bowl of fresh salsa. Drinks wise, a lime margarita or a cold Mexican lager is absolute aces.
Trust me on this.
Storing the Magic: Save Some for Later
You've got leftover Cheesy Crockpot Mexican Casserole ? Lucky you!
- Refrigeration: Pop it into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .
- Freezing: Freezing works a treat. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to 3 months . To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Microwave is fine if you are rushing, but the oven is best. Oven ( 350° F ) until hot, if you have time!
Remixing Your Mexican Casserole
Fancy a change? No worries.
- Low-Carb: Swap the tortillas for layers of cauliflower rice or zucchini slices. Boom, Healthy Comfort Food right there.
- Seasonal Swaps: If it's autumn, try adding some roasted butternut squash or sweet potato. Summer? Sweetcorn is king! Play around with it; it's your Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe now!
Nourishment Nuggets: Feel Good Food
This Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna is hearty and filling. A rough estimate for one portion is about 450 calories, 30g of protein, and 25g of fat.
It’s a good source of protein and fiber too.
Honestly, it’s food that makes you feel good, both in your belly and your soul.
Ready to give this Fiesta Slow Cooker Casserole a go? Don't be shy - get in there and experiment. This could be your new favourite, honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Crock Pot Mexican Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Crock Pot Mexican Casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it into the slow cooker in the morning.
You might need to add a bit of extra cooking time if it's starting from cold, so keep an eye on it think of it as your slow cooked Mexican masterpiece!
My tortillas are getting mushy in the Crock Pot Mexican Casserole. What am I doing wrong?
Mushy tortillas are a common problem! It's usually caused by overcooking or too much moisture. Try reducing the cooking time, especially if you're using the high setting. Also, make sure your diced tomatoes and green chilies are well drained, and don't add any extra liquid unless the casserole seems really dry after a couple of hours.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race, and avoids the soggy bottom like in Bake Off!
Can I freeze leftovers of this Fiesta Slow Cooker Casserole: A Lazy Cook's Mexican Dream?
Good news, mate, you sure can! Let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
You might want to add a little extra cheese on top before reheating to freshen it up!
What are some good variations to this Crock Pot Mexican Casserole?
There are loads of easy swaps you can make! For a vegetarian version, ditch the meat and load up on lentils and extra veggies like bell peppers. If you're feeling spicy, chuck in some chopped jalapeños or use a hotter salsa.
And if you want to be dead posh you could even stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup before cooking for a creamier casserole. Bobs your uncle, you've got a brand new dish!
How can I make this Crock Pot Mexican Casserole healthier?
Great question! To lighten things up, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for a leaner cut. You can also use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Bulk up the casserole with extra veggies like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the fibre content.
This makes it a guilt free pleasure, even better than spotted dick.
What if I don't have all the ingredients? Can I substitute anything in this Crock Pot Mexican Casserole recipe?
Absolutely! Don't stress if your cupboards are a bit bare. Pinto or kidney beans work just as well as black beans. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese can replace cheddar cheese. And if you are missing the diced tomatoes and green chilies, just use plain diced tomatoes and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Cooking is about making it your own!
Fiesta Slow Cooker Casserole A Lazy Cooks Mexica
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |