Next, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). In my trusty baking dish, I start layering. I place a layer of the corn tortillas at the bottom, followed by a generous portion of the beef mixture, and then a sprinkle of cheese. I repeat the layers until I’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top. It’s always a delight to see those layers—so colorful and inviting! After that, I cover it with foil and bake for 20 minutes, and then I remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The aroma fills my kitchen and makes my mouth water in anticipation!
Once it’s done baking, I let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. I love serving it warm, garnished with fresh cilantro for a splash of color and flavor. Every slice has that perfect balance of chewy, cheesy goodness and zesty beef—it’s simply divine!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this casserole a few different ways, and one tip I can confidently share is to use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. The texture just melts better and gives a nice gooeyness that pulls apart beautifully. Secondly, if you want to make this dish spicier, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the beef mixture while it cooks. A little heat adds a wonderful kick! Lastly, don’t skip the resting period after baking; it allows the casserole to set up so each slice holds its shape better and is easier to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in the past is not breaking up the beef well while browning it. I learned that leaving larger chunks can result in some bites being more meaty than others. Make sure to crumble it finely for even cooking and flavor. Another mistake is skipping the draining of excess fat, especially if using higher-fat beef. It can make the casserole greasy, which is not what we want!
Also, make sure to cover the casserole with foil while baking, especially during the first part. This helps to retain moisture and ensures that the cheese doesn’t burn before everything is heated through. Finally, overly ambitious layering can result in a soupy casserole, so stick to a good balance of all ingredients for the best outcome. (See the next page below to continue…)