Firecracker Casserole

Ignite your taste buds with this bold and flavorful Firecracker Casserole! A hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole layers zesty ground beef, black beans, vibrant veggies, and a kick of jalapeño heat. Enhanced with smoky spices like paprika and cumin, it’s further elevated by creamy, gooey layers of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, all nestled between soft tortilla quarters for a tex-mex-inspired comfort meal. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick bake, it’s an easy recipe bursting with bold flavors and customizable toppings like sour cream, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Whether it’s taco night or you’re craving something spicy and satisfying, this dish is sure to steal the show! Perfect keywords: Firecracker Casserole recipe, spicy casserole, tex-mex casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 small jalapeño, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 6 flour tortillas, cut into quarters
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of oil.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeños, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

Step 4

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Spread a thin layer of the beef and vegetable mixture at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Arrange a single layer of tortilla quarters on top of the mixture.

Step 7

Spread about one-third of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the tortillas.

Step 8

Continue layering the beef mixture, tortillas, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.

Step 9

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.

Step 12

Serve hot and enjoy the bold, zesty flavors of the Firecracker Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2542.9 grams (2542.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4082

Total Fat 235.00g	301%
Saturated Fat 122.70g	614%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 721mg	240%
Sodium 7888mg	343%
Total Carbohydrate 304.90g	111%
Dietary Fiber 49.50g	177%
Total Sugars 48.20g
Protein 222.60g	445%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 3182mg	245%
Iron 30mg	166%
Potassium 4417mg	94%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.1%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 28.9%