– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternative)
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
– 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bag (10 oz) tortilla chips (or crushed crackers for topping)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Follow these steps to create your very own Crazy Good Casserole:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
3. Mix Ingredients: To the skillet, add in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, corn, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the cream cheese is melted and everything is combined.
4. Layer in Casserole Dish: Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
6. Add Tortilla Chips: Crush the tortilla chips and spread them over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Cool and Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
9. Serve: Slice and serve hot, ensuring every serving has a delightful mix of layers.