The other night (Tuesday, to be exact) Jay and I had a pretty amazing dinner.
Yeah, the cauliflower was good, but that’s definitely not what we’re talkin’ about here. No no. Today, we’re talking about that delicious casserole you see right there.
Probably at least four months ago, I wound up picking up one of these McCormick Recipe Inspirations packages after my mom told me just how good they were. I usually do try my best to take the frugal route when grocery shopping (although Jay may tend to argue that one) but sometimes, convenience just takes precedence.
So after coming across the package once again over the weekend, I decided that I’d finally take a stab at it this week. I made sure to pick up all of my ingredients and quickly got things rollin’.
I noticed that the recipe called for everything to bake in a 9×13 casserole, but for a family of two, finishing off a casserole that large can become quite a challenge. Rather than getting stuck with leftovers all week, I decided to break things up into two smaller dishes – that way, we had one to enjoy this week, and the other is now stored in the freezer for a night when I really don’t feel like cooking.
This recipe is one that could easily be made without the seasoning packet, so if you’re interested in giving it a shot, here ya go!
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Double Duty Quesadilla Casserole
One For Now – One To Freeze For Later!
(slightly adapted from McCormick)
Ingredients:
- 1lb. lean ground beef (or turkey, chicken, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small (8-3/4 oz.) can whole kernel corn, undrained
- 1 small (4-1/2 oz.) can chopped green chiles, undrained
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 5 flour tortillas (*I used a low-carb, 8-inch variety from Target)
- 2 cups reduced-fat Mexican-style shredded cheese
Directions:
Prepare two 8-inch square baking dishes, spraying with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Brown beef and onion in a large skillet on medium-high heat; drain. Add tomato sauce, beans, corn, and green chiles, mixing well. Stir in all of the spices and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, simmering for 5 minutes.
Spread 1/4 cup of beef mixture on bottom of each baking dish. Cut two tortillas in half and place two halves in each dish (I put flat sides towards edges). Split 1/2 of the remaining beef mixture and layer between the two dishes. Split 1/2 of the cheese and layer between the two dishes. Layer the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese between the two dishes. (Layers are: beef-tortilla-beef-cheese-tortilla-beef-cheese)
Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through. Let stand about 5 minutes before serving. Once cooled, cover unused portion with plastic wrap (directly on casserole) then cover dish with foil. Store in freezer until ready to eat again!
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Enjoy! I know I’ll be thoroughly enjoying my last piece as leftovers this evening.
Rochelle says
Oh my goodness, that looks (and sounds) amazing! I’m totally going to try this one soon!!! Thanks for sharing your recipe with us!
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
Yum!! That looks awesome. I love casseroles!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Whoaaa look at all that cheesy goodness! Pinned it and most likely making it next week. ;)
Blog is the New BLack says
Looks awesome and so tasty!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
This looks awesome!!!
Jessamy @ The Rambling Asian says
Oh yeah I have had that one before. It is awesome! :)
Natalie @ Free Range Human says
That looks great! I find myself having to freeze a lot of things too. Cooking for two is more challenging than most people think!
Megan@funsizedfitness says
That looks like the perfect dinner to make once it gets colder outside – thanks for the recipe!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Wow that looks delicious! I’ll have to figure out how to make a vegetarian version! ;)
Courtney says
Maybe try doubling the beans or adding in soy crumbles?
Brittany says
Looks and sounds so yummy! I will have to try it soon!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
Yum! I’d definitely have to make one big casserole because my hungry husband charges through any leftovers!
michelle kim says
Wowz, that looks crazy delicious! Too bad our oven doesn’t work right now :(
Lauren says
This looks incredible! I’ve never made a Mexican casserole but I’ve always wanted to. Unless you count enchiladas but I’m taking a mexican lasagna or something more along the lines of this.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
I’ve bought that a few times – it’s delicious! Best part is that the little card on the back is removable, so you can save the recipe to keep at home. :-)
Amileena says
It looks so yummy! I will definitely try making it sometime.
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
I love casseroles because of the leftovers. Definitely need to try this one. It looks great! :)
Becka @ simplybecka says
Sounds super yummy and easy to make. I like that you divided it into two portions. Good idea for a smaller family of only two people. I think I might have to try this one. Thanks for always sharing your delicious recipes with us here on the blog. Have a great day. ^_^
Sabrina @Work It Ms Jackson says
This is perfect. That’s too much for us to eat too so baking them into seperate dishes is great!
Renee says
I love quesadillas or any mexican inspired dish. I will definitely be trying it-looks so good!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says
This sums up everything I’m craving for dinner tonight…YUM.
Brandi says
Oh my goodness! I am making this! :)
Courtney F says
Oh my! I printed this off to put in my “to make” binder!! yum!
JenA says
I made this last night and let me tell you, the hubby LOVED it. I made the mistake of doing it all in one pan though so there are lots of leftovers. We added a little dollop of daisy sour cream and went to town. Another winner (the chicken&tomato mac and cheese is a new favorite too) Thank you for this recipe!
Courtney says
Ohhhh, that’s great news!! Thanks so much for letting me know :)
Jean says
Courtney! You have to bring this back, it’ll never get old! So tasty!