Dinner Tonight: Leslie's Mexican Casserole

My sweet girlfriend Leslie made us this for dinner one night and it was love at first bite.  You know how I love me a Mexican casserole, and this one is one of the best I've had.  I think the secret is the pasta sauce.  The pasta sauce really gives the casserole a thickness and richness you don't often find in Mexican casseroles.  Trust me, you'll love it too!

Shopping List

1 pound ground beef 
1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped 

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 tablespoon cumin

1 can (14 oz) black beans

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1/4 cup frozen corn

1 cup pasta sauce

1/2 cup salsa

4-5 tortillas (flour or whole wheat)

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Green onions and/or sour cream to garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Brown ground beef over medium-high heat.  Add in onion and garlic.  Saute another 5-6 minutes.  Add in chili powder and cumin and cook another minute.  Then add in beans, tomatoes, corn, pasta sauce and salsa and cook about 5 minutes until bubbly.

In a 9x13 inch pan, layer one third of ground beef mixture across the bottom.  Add one layer of tortillas on top.  Add second third layer of meat mixture and then layer with remaining tortillas.  Add last of the ground beef mixture on top and cover with cheese.  Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.  Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and browned.

Garnish with green onions and/or sour cream.

Thanks Leslie!