My Favorite Mexican Casserole

Submitted by AmyZoe

"This is super quick and delicious. The only thing I'd do differently is add some jalapeno peppers to make it spicier. It's a great way to use the bottom of the tortilla chip bag. The tortilla chips make a crispy crust on the bottom of the casserole. I skipped the garnishes and it still tasted great. Recipe courtesy of Chris Gavenda, Wildwood, MO and www.epicurious.com."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 17
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 lb chicken, shredded and cooked
• 15 1⁄2 ounces garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 1⁄2 ounces kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 1⁄4 ounces whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/4 inch dice
• 1⁄4 cup cilantro leaf, chopped
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 6 ounces monterey jack cheese
• 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese

• Garnishes

• 2 cups tomatoes
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1⁄2 cup cilantro leaf, chopped (fresh)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Grease a 13x9" baking dish and scatter crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom.
3. Combine the chicken, beans, corn, tomato sauce, salsa, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, garlic, sant, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Place half the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
5. Combine the cheeses and sprinkle half over mixture.
6. Cover with the remaining half of the chicken-and-bean mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheese over top.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Serve the garnishes in bowls so guests can top their portions with diced tomatoes, sour cream, and cilantro.

Reviews

[Netfoodie]

I first saw this recipe or something very similar in the Sunday paper contest it won 1st place. Even though it's an American version of a Mexican dish, it's quite tasty and feeds a crowd or split it in half and freeze the other for another night.

 

[Katiecooks]

I made this with some modifications and it was great! I made my own salsa: 1 can petite diced tomatoes with garlic & onion some jalapeno slices (10 or so) Blend all together (finely for kids, so they don't see the onion, pepper, & tomato) I left out the green pepper and chopped onion the recipe called for, because the kids wouldn't eat that. I also used 8 oz. of cheese not 12 oz. I served it with brown rice. It was wonderful!