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Million Dollar Tex-Mex Casserole - Comforting, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
  • 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth (as needed, for sauciness)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar-jack cheese, divided
  • 8–10 small flour tortillas or 12–14 corn tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, diced avocado, salsa, lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and crumble until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add onion, bell pepper, and remaining oil to the skillet. Cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, then add diced tomatoes with chilies, black beans, corn, and a splash of broth. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese. This is your “million-dollar” layer.
  6. Layer the casserole: Spread a thin spoonful of beef mixture on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of tortillas (tear to fit). Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over tortillas. Spoon on half the beef mixture. Repeat layers once more.
  7. Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheese. Cover with foil (tent slightly to prevent sticking).
  8. Bake 20 minutes covered, then uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more, until bubbly and golden in spots.
  9. Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Top with green onions, cilantro, and your favorite extras.