This melty chili bake casserole is a cozy, comforting dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cold evenings. It’s layered with seasoned ground meat, beans, corn, tortillas, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together until hot and bubbly. Simple ingredients come together to create a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal prep. It’s filling, customizable, and great for feeding a family or prepping ahead for the week. The layers of tortillas, chili-style filling, and melted cheese make it both satisfying and comforting without being complicated.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 pounds extra-lean ground beef or bison
2 cans (8 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 cup frozen corn
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
4 ounces chopped green chilies, fresh or from a jar
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
6 sprouted wheat or gluten-free tortillas
1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or bison and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, black beans, corn, green chilies, dried minced onion, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until everything is heated through and well combined.
4. Lightly grease an 11×7-inch or 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
5. Place half of the tortillas in an even layer on the bottom of the dish, tearing them as needed to fit.
6. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas and spread evenly. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Preparation time: about 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 40 to 45 minutes

Variations

You can swap the ground beef or bison for ground chicken or ground turkey. Different beans such as pinto or kidney beans work well in place of black beans. For extra vegetables, add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture. You can also use a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 325°F until hot. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, it freezes well either before or after baking when stored in an airtight container.

What kind of tortillas work best?

Sprouted wheat or gluten-free tortillas both work well, depending on your preference.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, any good melting cheese such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican-style blend can be used.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has mild heat from the green chilies, but it is generally not very spicy.

How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

What can I serve with this casserole?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I add rice to the casserole?

Yes, you can mix in cooked rice with the meat mixture to make it even heartier.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The casserole is done when it is hot all the way through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion

This melty chili bake casserole is a simple, flexible recipe that delivers big comfort with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the original ingredients or customize it with what you have on hand, it’s an easy dinner option that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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