Adventures in the Kitchen: Quesadilla Casserole Edition

In the past few years cooking has become something I enjoy doing. I love finding and trying new recipes. I especially love recreating family favorites over and over.

A few years ago, I found this recipe for a Quesadilla Casserole and tried it. My family loved it and so I have kept the recipe and every now and again I will pull it out and make it. My husband likes spicy food and I just can’t handle spice so I usually make one not spicy and make one spicy.

Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Makes 8 Servings

• 2 tsp. Chili Powder
• 1 tsp. Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp. Minced Garlic
• 1/2 tsp. Oregano Leaves
• 1 lb ground beef (you can use ground chicken, pork or turkey)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can (8 3/4 oz) whole kernel corn undrained
• 6 flour tortillas (8 inch)
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• Optional ingredients used to make it spicy.
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Peppers
  • 1 can (4 1/2 oz) chopped green chiles undrained
  • Sliced Jalapenos and Banana Peppers

1. Preheat oven
2. Brown meat and onion in large skillet on medium-high heat; Drain
3. Add tomato sauce, beans, corn and mix well
4. Add spices, mix well and bring to boil
5. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes
6. Spread 1/2 cup of the meat mixture on the bottom of a 13x9x2 baking dish sprayed with no-stick cooking spray. (I usually put about a cup down on the bottom)
7. Sprinkle cheese over mixture
8. Top with 3 tortillas overlapping as needed
9. Create layers with remaining meat mixture and cheese
10. Bake in preheated 350 degrees oven for 15 min or until heated through.
11. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.