Ingredients:
-1 lb ground beef
-1/2 cup diced onion
-1 cup of frozen corn
-1 can mild diced tomatoes
-1 can black beans
-1 cup uncooked macaroni
-1-2 tsp chili powder
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1/4 tsp ground cumin
-1/4 tsp dried oregano
-1/2 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese
-1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
-Salt and pepper to taste
-2-3 jalapeno peppers, diced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the corn, diced tomatoes, black beans, macaroni, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the cheese and crushed tortilla chips over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Size: 8-10
Firecracker Casserole is a fun and flavorful dish that was created in the early 1960s. This casserole packs a punch with its mix of spicy flavors and crunchy texture. It typically consists of ground beef, bell pepper, onion, cream of mushroom soup, and a variety of seasonings, all combined and served over a bed of crushed tortilla chips.
The popularity of Firecracker Casserole continued to grow over the years, and it is now a mainstay on many holiday and potluck tables. It is easy to make and can be varied to suit individual tastes. Here are some tips and techniques for crafting this classic casserole.
1. Start with a good quality ground beef. Use leaner cuts whenever possible.
2. Sauté your bell peppers and onions in a little butter or olive oil to bring out the flavors.
3. Don’t overmix the ingredients. Combine them gently and only until just blended.
4. Add your seasonings at the end, and taste for seasoning before transferring to a baking dish.
5. Place the crushed chips as your final layer for maximum crunch.
6. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.
7. Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!