Light Mexican Casserole

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jan. 21, 2023
A must-try dinner: Here's a healthy layered casserole using whole wheat tortillas, lean beef and more veggies than traditional recipes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Light Mexican Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (95% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon hot chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 4 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches)
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional: Shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes

Directions

  1. In a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Stir in the water, flour, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, coriander and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-6 minutes or until thickened.
  2. In a small bowl, combine beans and salsa. Place 2 tortillas in a round 2-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with half of the beef mixture, bean mixture and corn; repeat layers. Top with cheese.
  3. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Serve with lettuce and tomatoes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece (calculated without lettuce and tomatoes): 367 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.