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Firecracker Casserole

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Firecracker Casserole is a hearty, cheesy beef casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, black beans, flour tortillas, creamy mushroom soup, tomatoes and green chiles, and cheddar cheese. It’s an easy weeknight dinner with a satisfying Tex-Mex flavor and a little kick.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 flour tortillas (6 inches)
  • 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the black beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
  4. In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and undrained diced tomatoes and green chiles.
  5. Spread a thin layer of the soup mixture over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Tear or cut the tortillas into pieces and arrange half of them over the sauce.
  6. Spoon half of the seasoned beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the remaining soup mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, soup mixture, and cheddar cheese.
  8. Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust the chili powder according to your preferred level of heat.
  • For extra flavor, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Use lean ground beef and drain excess grease after browning for a lighter casserole.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat until hot.

Find it online: https://ayoubrecipe.com/firecracker-casserole/