La Pazada
A hearty layered casserole with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and bell pepper.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add thyme, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and diced Ro-Tel tomatoes, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Place a layer of corn tortillas on the bottom of a 10 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
- Add another layer of tortillas on top.
- Spread the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or using spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use a blend of cheeses for added flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with a mix of beans or lentils, fitting into delicious vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve La Pazada with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Flan De Leche for dessert. For added flavor, offer toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro on the side to let everyone customize their serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of La Pazada contains roughly 835 calories, with 40g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (132% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1154mg per serving (50% 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 La Pazada ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare La Pazada up to the baking step. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option or want to avoid canned soup, you can make a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Alternatively, you can use cream of chicken soup, or a dairy-free version if you are avoiding dairy.
Is La Pazada suitable for freezing?
Yes, La Pazada freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).