Quesadilla Casserole
McCormick seasoning recipe
McCormick seasoning recipe
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 can 15 oz black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 can 8 oz corn undrained
- 1 can 4 oz chopped green chilies undrained
- 6 8 inch floured torillas
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper optional i use 1/8
- Carbohydrate 1.58704062535708 g
- Cholesterol 73.2053514792914 mg
- Fat 19.5855550717449 g
- Fiber 0.312225006192923 g
- Protein 18.9622202048212 g
- Saturated Fat 10.3077816839089 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (98g)
- Sodium 246.460308198238 mg
- Sugar 1.27481561916415 g
- Trans Fat 1.80758464846592 g
- Calories 261 calories
Step-by-step
- Brown beef and onion, drain all grease.
- Add tomato sauce, beans, corn, and green chilies and mix well.
- Stir in all spices except Red Peppers.
- Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
- Add red peppers to taste.
- Spread 1/2 cup of beef mixture on the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish (spread with non-stick cooking spray).
- Top with 3 of the tortillas and add 1/2 of the remaining beef and 1/2 of the cheese.
- Repeat the last two steps.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15 minutes.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
My Go-To Weeknight Quesadilla Casserole
As a busy mom, finding quick and easy meals that the whole family will enjoy is a constant quest. This Quesadilla Casserole is my absolute lifesaver. It's incredibly versatile, customizable to whatever's in my pantry, and always a hit, even with my picky eaters. The best part? It's almost entirely hands-off once it’s in the oven, leaving me free to tackle other tasks – laundry, homework help, or just a quiet cup of tea.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I usually start with ground beef, simply because it's a staple in our house, but you could easily swap in shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even lentils for a vegetarian version. I always have a can of black beans and corn in the pantry, and the tomato sauce adds a rich depth of flavor. The spices are where I get to have some fun – I love the warm, earthy notes of cumin and chili powder, but feel free to experiment with different blends to suit your taste. Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper smokiness, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick. The cheese is a must, of course! Cheddar is a classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious.
The tortillas are the star of the show, creating a wonderfully crispy and satisfying crust. I typically use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas would work just as well. I find that using a 13x9 baking dish is perfect for this recipe, making it easy to portion and serve. The casserole is also great for meal prepping. I often double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the next day – it reheats beautifully!
Tips and Tricks for Quesadilla Casserole Success:
- Prep Ahead: Brown the beef and prepare the filling ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and assemble the casserole right before baking.
- Spice it Up: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese Please: Use your favorite blend of cheese. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack is always a good choice.
- Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to make it even more nutritious.
- Make it Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile, feel free to add or substitute ingredients to your liking.
This Quesadilla Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of comfort, convenience, and family togetherness. It’s a recipe that has stood the test of time in our home, evolving with our changing tastes and needs. It’s the perfect example of how a simple dish can bring so much joy and satisfaction. So, next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal, give this recipe a try. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Happy cooking!
