After the meat mixture is all set, I turn my attention to the sour cream. In a separate mixing bowl, I combine the sour cream with half of the shredded cheese. It’s at this point I get a little giddy as I fold everything together—the creamy goodness and cheesy goodness create a dreamy blend. Now, it’s time to layer the casserole! I spread half of the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of my 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by the meat mixture, and then the sour cream mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining cheese on top. Talk about a feast for the eyes!
Before popping the casserole into the oven, I cover it with aluminum foil to keep everything nice and moist while it bakes. I bake it at 350°F for about 30 minutes. The last five to ten minutes, I remove the foil to let the cheese get bubbly and golden brown. My favorite part is that moment when I pull it out of the oven; the smell is simply intoxicating!
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can resist the temptation, that is! The layers hold together beautifully, and it’s absolutely irresistible garnished with fresh cilantro.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this three ways: with ground turkey, beef, and even a meatless version using lentils. Honestly, every variation was delicious, but I found that I preferred the ground beef for its richer flavor. If you’re looking to save time, consider using rotisserie chicken; it’s a real game changer!
Make sure to taste the meat mixture before layering it into the casserole. I find that a little sprinkle of lime juice enhances all the flavors, giving it that perfect zing that lifts the dish. It really makes a difference!
Lastly, if you love a bit of crunch, don’t forget to save a handful of crushed tortilla chips to sprinkle on top before serving. It adds that delightful texture that makes each bite more exciting!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made early on was not draining the canned ingredients thoroughly. Turns out, excess liquid can make your casserole too soupy, and nobody wants a soggy dish! I recommend pouring out the bean and corn liquids well before mixing to keep everything perfectly balanced. (See the next page below to continue…)