The history and origin of chile con queso casserole
Chile con queso casserole is a traditional dish found in various regions of Mexico and other Latin American countries. Its preparation can vary, but the base always includes chiles, cheese, and a mix of ingredients that create a comforting and flavorful stew.
This dish has indigenous and colonial roots, mixing native products like chile and corn with ingredients brought by the Spanish, such as cheeses and certain spices. In different Latin American countries, this recipe can have variations and alternative names; for example, in some parts of Mexico it is also known as "chile relleno en cazuela," while in Central America it may have variations in the ingredients but maintains the essence of chile accompanied by delicious melted cheese.
Chile con queso casserole is appreciated for its simplicity and rich flavor, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or celebrations, where the goal is to share a meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
How to prepare an easy chile con queso casserole
To prepare this delicious and easy casserole, you need the following ingredients: beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic clove, pinto beans, tomato sauce, hot sauce, cumin, salt, corn tortillas, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and fresh tomato.
The first step is to brown the meat with pepper, onion, and garlic so it develops an intense and aromatic flavor. Then, it is important to drain the mixture to remove excess fat.
Next, add the beans, tomato sauce, hot sauce, cumin, and salt to the browned meat. Mix well and cook over low heat for 15 minutes so the flavors fully integrate.
After that, place a small amount of this meat mixture in a 13x9-inch baking dish. Cover with 6 corn tortillas to form a base layer.
Over the tortillas, place half of the remaining meat mixture and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat this process to create alternating layers of mixture and cheese.
Cover the dish well with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during cooking, and bake at 350° Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
After this time, remove the aluminum foil and cover with the remaining cheese to brown. Bake uncovered for 5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Finally, serve the casserole topped with fresh lettuce, chopped tomato, sour cream, and additional hot sauce, to taste, to give it a fresh and spicy touch that perfectly complements the flavors of the stew.
