Ingredients
1½lbs90% lean ground beef
½tspbaking soda
2tbspvegetable oil
1½tspchipotle chili powder
2½tspground cumin
¾tspsalt
1⅓lbstomatoes,(4 pieces) vine-ripened, quartered
2medium yellow onions,cut into ½-inch wedges
¼cupvegetable oil
6clovesgarlic,peeled
2tspsalt
1tspground cumin
⅛tspcayenne pepper
¼cupcilantro leaves
10yellow corn tortillas,(8 inch) cut into quarters
4cupsMexican blend cheese,(12 oz) shredded
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and the baking soda. Mix using hands until evenly combined. Let sit on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes.
While the beef sits, prepare the sauce. Set an oven rack about 5-inches beneath the heating element and preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Toss the tomatoes, onions, and garlic with the vegetable oil directly on the prepared baking sheet. Broil for 12 to15 minutes until softened and charred. Transfer the vegetables and juices to a food processor fitted with the metal blade.
Add the salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper and pulse until just slightly chunky. Add the cilantro and pulse until the cilantro is chopped. Set the sauce aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the beef and cook, stirring frequently and breaking into pieces, for about 2 minutes until just slightly pink.
Add the chili powder, cumin, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes more, or until cooked through.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and move the oven rack to the center position. Lightly oil a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
Set aside 1 cup of the sauce for the top of the casserole.
Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of tortillas, overlapping them slightly. Spoon ½ of the beef and any juices over the tortillas.
Top with ½ of the sauce and ⅓ of the cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef, remaining sauce, and ⅓ of the cheese. Top with the remaining tortillas.
Spread the reserved sauce over the tortillas and cover completely. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over top.
Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is completely melted.
Serve warm and enjoy.
