Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that will impress your family and friends? This Mexican Casserole Recipe is the perfect combination of savory flavors, creamy textures, and crunchy tortilla chips. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or whipping up a weeknight meal, this casserole will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. It’s layered with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and cheese, giving you all the flavors you love in Mexican cuisine in one simple dish.
In this detailed guide, we’ll go through why this Mexican Casserole Recipe works so well, what ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions for success, tips and tricks to enhance your dish, and creative serving suggestions. Get ready to elevate your casserole game with this hearty and flavorful recipe from Bigzazoo!
Why This Mexican Casserole Recipe Works
This Mexican Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food because it combines the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican cooking with the ease of a classic casserole. Here’s why it works so well:
- Layered Texture: The crushed tortilla chips create a crunchy base and topping, while the meat and beans provide a hearty, filling middle layer.
- Balanced Flavor: The taco seasoning adds a punch of spice, the cream of chicken soup adds a creamy consistency, and the Ro-tel tomatoes offer a tangy kick, balancing out the richness of the dish.
- Cheesy Goodness: With two layers of melted cheddar cheese, you get that gooey, comforting element that takes the dish to the next level.
- Simplicity: All you need are a few pantry staples, one skillet, and one casserole dish to create a filling, crowd-pleasing meal.
This combination of textures and flavors ensures that every bite is exciting, making it a family favorite for dinners, potlucks, or parties.
What You’ll Need For This Mexican Casserole Recipe
Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients that make this Mexican Casserole Recipe so delicious:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a hearty and savory foundation for the casserole.
- 1 can Ranch Style beans: These beans are packed with flavor and add a creamy texture to the dish.
- 1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed: You’ll use these to create the crunchy layers in your casserole.
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes: Adds a spicy and tangy flavor with green chilies mixed into the tomatoes.
- 1 small onion, chopped: For added depth and flavor in the meat mixture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: This will create those delicious, gooey layers of cheese.
- 1 package taco seasoning: Adds bold Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: This is the secret ingredient for a creamy, rich base in the casserole.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps combine all the ingredients and keep everything moist during cooking.
- Sour cream and salsa: Perfect for serving on top to add freshness and extra flavor.
Tools:
- Large skillet: For browning the ground beef and combining ingredients.
- 9×13 casserole dish: To layer and bake the casserole.
- Aluminum foil: To cover the casserole and help it cook evenly.
How To Make This Mexican Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate heat will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium heat until browned. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks so that it’s evenly crumbled. Once the meat is cooked, drain off any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, Onion, and Seasoning
To the browned beef, stir in 1 can of Ranch Style beans, 1 can of Ro-tel tomatoes, and 1 small chopped onion. Mix in 1 package of taco seasoning, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for about 5-10 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, place a layer of crushed tortilla chips (about half of your 10-12 ounce bag) on the bottom of the dish.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Now it’s time to build your layers. Spread half of the beef and bean mixture over the crushed tortilla chips in the casserole dish. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat mixture. Repeat these layers: crushed tortilla chips, the remaining meat mixture, and the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Step 8: Serve with Toppings
Serve your Mexican casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa on top. You can also add fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Here are some tips to make sure your Mexican Casserole Recipe comes out perfect every time:
1. Use Lean Ground Beef
Lean ground beef (around 85%) works best in this recipe because it provides just the right amount of fat for flavor without making the casserole too greasy. If you prefer a lighter version, you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
2. Customize Your Layers
Feel free to get creative with your casserole by adding other ingredients like black beans, corn, or even diced green chilies for more flavor. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different taste.
3. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking is crucial for two reasons: it helps the layers set so that the casserole holds together when sliced, and it also cools the dish slightly, making it easier to eat.
4. Add Crunchy Toppings
To add a bit more crunch, top your casserole with crushed tortilla chips or even Fritos right before serving. This gives the dish a satisfying texture contrast.
5. Make Ahead and Freeze
You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and freeze it for a future meal. Simply prepare the casserole through the layering step, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
How to Serve
This Mexican Casserole Recipe is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some serving ideas to round out your meal:
Serving Suggestions:
- Mexican Rice: Serve alongside the casserole for a heartier meal.
- Guacamole and Chips: A fresh guacamole is a great way to add a creamy, cool contrast to the casserole.
- Chopped Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomato, and avocado provides a refreshing, crunchy side.
- Refried Beans: Add an extra helping of protein with a side of refried beans.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
Conclusion
This Mexican Casserole Recipe is a satisfying and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, tomatoes, and cheese, topped with crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a meal that combines all the best elements of Mexican cuisine in a simple, family-friendly format. Whether you’re making dinner for a weeknight or preparing a dish for a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
Bigzazoo knows the power of a great casserole, and with this Mexican Casserole Recipe, you’ll have a delicious, go-to meal that everyone will love!
Recipe Card
Mexican Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- – **Large skillet**: For browning the ground beef and combining ingredients.
- – **9×13 casserole dish**: To layer and bake the casserole.
- – **Aluminum foil**: To cover the casserole and help it cook evenly.
Ingredients
- – **1 pound lean ground beef**: Provides a hearty and savory foundation for the casserole.
- – **1 can Ranch Style beans**: These beans are packed with flavor and add a creamy texture to the dish.
- – **1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips crushed**: You’ll use these to create the crunchy layers in your casserole.
- – **1 can Ro-tel tomatoes**: Adds a spicy and tangy flavor with green chilies mixed into the tomatoes.
- – **1 small onion chopped**: For added depth and flavor in the meat mixture.
- – **2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided**: This will create those delicious, gooey layers of cheese.
- – **1 package taco seasoning**: Adds bold Mexican spices like cumin chili powder, and garlic.
- – **1 can cream of chicken soup**: This is the secret ingredient for a creamy rich base in the casserole.
- – **1/2 cup water**: Helps combine all the ingredients and keep everything moist during cooking.
- – **Sour cream and salsa**: Perfect for serving on top to add freshness and extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to **325°F (165°C)**. This moderate heat will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook **1 pound of lean ground beef** over medium heat until browned. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks so that it’s evenly crumbled. Once the meat is cooked, drain off any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, Onion, and Seasoning
- To the browned beef, stir in **1 can of Ranch Style beans**, **1 can of Ro-tel tomatoes**, and **1 small chopped onion**. Mix in **1 package of taco seasoning**, **1 can of cream of chicken soup**, and **1/2 cup of water**. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for about 5-10 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish
- Grease a **9×13-inch casserole dish** with a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, place a layer of crushed tortilla chips (about half of your **10-12 ounce bag**) on the bottom of the dish.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
- Now it’s time to build your layers. Spread half of the beef and bean mixture over the crushed tortilla chips in the casserole dish. Next, sprinkle **1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese** on top of the meat mixture. Repeat these layers: crushed tortilla chips, the remaining meat mixture, and the remaining **1 cup of cheddar cheese**.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for **20-30 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Let It Rest
- Once your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for **5-10 minutes** before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Step 8: Serve with Toppings
- Serve your Mexican casserole with a dollop of **sour cream** and a spoonful of **salsa** on top. You can also add fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.