Fiesta Crepes En Casserole
Fiesta Crepes En Casserole offers a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and cheese wrapped in tender crepes, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz.) can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (1 1/2 oz.) envelope taco mix seasoning ⓘ
- 4 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/3 c. sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown beef, onion, and celery in a frying pan. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the corn and set aside.
- Combine tomato sauce and taco seasoning in a separate bowl, stirring to blend.
- Add 1 1/3 cups of the tomato sauce mixture to the meat and corn, mixing well.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each cornmeal crepe and roll to enclose the filling.
- Spread the remaining meat mixture in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Place the crepes, seam side down, on top of the meat mixture.
- Spoon the remaining tomato sauce mixture over the crepes.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also replace the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. If you don't have cornmeal, all-purpose flour works in a pinch. To enhance the dish, add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños to the meat mixture. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover tortillas from dishes like Easy Bean Burrito Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crepes with a side of fresh salsa and sour cream for added richness. A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette complements the dish nicely. For a heartier meal, pair it with Mexican rice or beans. This casserole pairs beautifully with Mexicali Macaroni, making for a delightful meal that showcases your favorite Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crepes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option, but the oven will help maintain the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Crepes En Casserole contains roughly 1029 calories, with 22g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1630mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crepes and the meat mixture a day in advance. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives if you prefer a leaner meat. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans or lentils mixed with the vegetables. This will give you a similar texture while keeping it hearty and satisfying.
Can I freeze the Fiesta Crepes En Casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled casserole before baking, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed for a quick dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).