Description
This Easy Fajita Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish combining shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices layered with crunchy tortilla strips and melted cheese. Perfect for a family meal, it’s baked to golden perfection and provides a comforting twist on traditional fajitas in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings & Base
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 6 tortillas, cut into strips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced bell pepper, sliced onion, drained black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salsa, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir together until well mixed and evenly coated with spices and salsa.
- Prepare the Base: In a casserole dish, layer half of the tortilla strips evenly on the bottom to create a crunchy base for the casserole.
- Layer the Filling: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortilla base layer in the dish.
- Add the Top Layer: Place the remaining tortilla strips on top of the filling to add additional texture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a melty, golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld and ensure easy slicing.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the crispy texture and melty cheese.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or a plant-based protein for variation.
- Adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or extra chili powder if you like heat.
Keywords: fajita casserole, easy chicken casserole, Mexican casserole, baked fajitas, chicken recipe, one dish meal