Best 3 Light Mexican Casserole Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, the light Mexican casserole stands out as a beacon of flavor and health. This delectable dish seamlessly blends the vibrant zest of Mexican cuisine with a conscious approach to nutrition, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a satisfying meal without compromising their wellness goals. With a symphony of fresh ingredients, bold spices, and a medley of textures, the light Mexican casserole promises an unforgettable dining experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

LIGHT MEXICAN CASSEROLE



Light Mexican Casserole image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

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
Shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes, optional

Steps:

  • 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., In a small bowl, combine beans and salsa. Place two 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., 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 : Calories 367 calories, Fat 11g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 657mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MEXICAN FIESTA CASSEROLE



Mexican Fiesta Casserole image

I adopted this recipe in February 2005. While I'm not much of a casserole person, this one looks to be pretty good.

Provided by - Carla -

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb lean ground beef
salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
1/2 cup water
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375F.
  • Cook the ground beef in a large skillet until browned; drain off the excess fat.
  • Season the meat with the salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Mix together the cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and onion; set this mixture aside.
  • Stir the biscuit mix and water together until a soft dough forms.
  • With floured fingers, pat the dough into the bottom of a greased 13 X 9 X 2-inch baking pan, pressing the dough about 1/2-inch up the sides of the pan.
  • Layer the browned ground beef, tomato slices, green pepper, and sliced olives over the dough layer.
  • Spoon the sour cream and cheese mixture over the top.
  • Bake, uncovered, until the edges of the dough are light brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Cool 5 minutes and then cut into squares to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 511.1, Fat 31.1, SaturatedFat 13.6, Cholesterol 89.7, Sodium 848.3, Carbohydrate 33, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 8, Protein 24.8

SUPER TASTY LITE MEXICAN CHICKEN CASSEROLE



Super Tasty Lite Mexican Chicken Casserole image

This is one of my most requested "chicken stuff" recipes. I found it in the Cooking Light magazine (around 1998). Most of my friends don't even know that it is a ligher version of a rich calorie laden recipe because it is so tasty. I usually serve with a mixed green salad and my version of Mexican rice. This is great left over cold or hot!

Provided by SueChef

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
2 (4 1/2 ounce) cans canned diced green chiles, divided
1 3/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup evaporated skim milk
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1/4 cup tub-style light cream cheese
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
12 (6 inch) corn tortillas
1/4 cup shredded extra-sharp reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 ounce tortilla chips, crushed
cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Bring broth and 1 can of chiles to a boil in a large skillet. Add chicken, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until chicken is done turning once. Remove chicken to a plate and reserving cooking liquid for later. Allow chicken to cool and shred meat.
  • Saute 1 can of chiles and onion in heated olive oil for 3 minutes or until soft. Add reserved liquid, enchilada sauce, milk, cream cheese, Monterey Jack and stir well. Stir in shredded chicken, cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Coat a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray and place 4 tortillas in the bottom. Spread 2 cups of chicken mixture over tortillas. Repeat layers twice ending up with the chicken mixture on top. Top with crushed tortillas and cheddar cheese.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until throughly heated. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • Choose lean protein options like chicken or turkey to make the casserole healthier.
  • For a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils instead of meat.
  • Use low-fat or fat-free cheese to reduce calories.
  • Substitute whole wheat tortillas for regular tortillas to increase fiber and nutrients.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the casserole for a boost of nutrition.
  • Season the casserole with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano for a flavorful and authentic Mexican taste.
  • Bake the casserole in a moderate oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve the casserole with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or shredded lettuce for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

Light Mexican casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, and it can also be made with vegetarian ingredients. The casserole is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of bold flavors and healthy ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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