Tex Mex Pantry Casserole Recipes

SIMPLY THE BEST TEX MEX CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• TO COOK THE FILLING: Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat.
• Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - twice around the pan.
• Add chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, red pepper and red onion.
• Brown the meat, 5 minutes.
• Add taco sauce or stewed or fire roasted tomatoes.
• Add black beans and corn.
• Heat the mixture through, 2 to 3 minutes then season with salt, to your taste.
• In a separate frying pan cook hash browns according to direction on package. This can be done while you are frying up the meat.
• Assemble Casserole: Spray a 9x13 pan with non stick stray.
• Layer half the cooked hash browns in the pan.
• Build casserole in layers of filling, ½ cheese and the rest of the hash browns, then cheese.
• Bake casserole 15 minutes until cheese is brown and bubbly.
• Top with the scallions.
• *NOTE* You can serve with salsa, sour cream and sliced avocado on the side as additional toppings.

TEX MEX CASSEROLE WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS

Steps:

• Warm a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the beef by browning it and breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
• While the beef is cooking, prepare your rice using the package instructions or my method linked in the post.
• Once the beef is completely cooked and no pink remains, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain most of the fat from the pan and return it to the heat. Add the diced onions to the pan and cook them, stirring frequently until they soften, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for 60 seconds more. Add the cooked beef back into the pan and stir.
• Pour the crushed tomatoes and salsa into the beef mixture and stir well. Next, add in the can of beans and cooked brown rice. Stir well again to combine.
• Turn the oven on to 350 and spray a 9x9 oven-safe casserole dish. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
• Top the beef mixture with the shredded cheese and sprinkle the diced green pepper over the cheese.
• Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling.
• Serve warm with sides of avocado, guacamole, and/or sour cream.
• Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

TEX-MEX CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Combine the refried beans, frozen corn, poblanos, 1/4 cup cilantro, the cumin and chile powder in a medium bowl. Combine the salsa, tomatoes and the remaining 1/4 cup cilantro in a separate medium bowl. Toss the cheddar and muenster cheese in a third bowl; set aside.
• Spread about 1/2 cup of the salsa mixture in a thin layer in a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with about 6 tostada shells, breaking them as needed to cover the bottom. Spread half of the bean mixture over the tostada shells, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture and 1 cup of the salsa mixture. Repeat the layers (tostada shells, bean mixture, cheese, salsa mixture), then top with the remaining tostadas, cheese and salsa.
• Cover and cook on low, 4 hours. Uncover and let rest 15 minutes. Serve with the sliced avocados, sour cream, cilantro and pickled jalapenos.