If you’re craving comfort food that brings a fiesta right to your dinner table, this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is a total game changer. Bursting with savory ground beef, zesty tomatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, this casserole combines textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance. It’s not only incredibly simple to put together but perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as tasty leftovers. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe promises warm satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe come alive, you only need a handful of staple ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting its rich, layered flavor and delightful texture. From the seasoned ground beef to the crispy tortilla chips, every component adds something special to your dish.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings savory goodness and bulk to the casserole.
- 1 can Ranch Style beans: Adds creaminess and a subtle smoky flavor, complementing the beef perfectly.
- 1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed: Provides the essential crunchy layer that makes this casserole satisfyingly crisp.
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes: Offers a bright, tangy kick with the perfect touch of spiciness from diced chilies.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds mild sweetness and a bit of bite to the savory mixture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into creamy pockets of cheesy delight throughout the layers.
- 1 package taco seasoning: Packs a bold blend of spices that infuse the beef mixture with authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: Acts as the rich binder, making the casserole moist and luscious.
- ½ cup water: Helps to blend the flavors and keeps everything perfectly saucy.
- Sour cream and salsa for serving: Classic toppings that add freshness and tangy contrast to the warm casserole.
How to Make Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by setting your oven to 325°F (163°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish well; this little step ensures your delicious creation won’t stick and will slide out easily when served.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
Brown one pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, then drain the fat for a lighter dish. Stir in the can of Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and half a cup of water. Let this flavorful mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing all those amazing spices and flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Here’s where your Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe starts taking shape! Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of your prepared dish. Next, pour half of your beef and bean mixture over the chips, and sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process one more time to build up all the flavor-packed levels.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling with cheesy goodness. This baking step melds all the layers into a warm, cohesive dish that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice. When ready, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of fresh salsa for that vibrant finish everyone loves.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado can elevate this casserole even more. A sprinkle of green onions or a squeeze of lime juice adds brightness and a fresh layer of flavor, transforming this comfort dish into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple Mexican rice, a crisp green salad, or a refreshing corn and black bean salad. These sides complement the richness with fresh textures and add a wholesome balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or layered parfait glasses for single servings at parties. You can also turn leftovers into tasty taco fillings or serve alongside warm tortillas for a hands-on feast that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your leftover Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy next-day lunch or dinner that tastes just as delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to keep the casserole longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual servings on medium power to avoid drying it out. Adding a sprinkle of cheese before reheating keeps things extra melty and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for a meat alternative like crumbled tofu, lentils, or a plant-based ground substitute. You can also add extra beans or vegetables to keep the dish hearty and satisfying without meat.
Is it possible to use different cheeses for this casserole?
Of course! While cheddar cheese is classic here, you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a Mexican blend. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for that gooey texture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble everything a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions—perfect for busy days or entertaining guests!
What if I don’t have Ranch Style beans?
If you don’t have Ranch Style beans, you can substitute with pinto beans or black beans for a similar texture and taste. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the beef mixture for the best results.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole has a mild to moderate level of spice thanks to the Ro-tel tomatoes and taco seasoning. You can adjust the heat by selecting mild or hot versions of the seasoning and tomatoes, or add fresh chili if you like it extra spicy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe truly hits all the right notes: it’s flavorful, simple to make, and wonderfully comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate—it might just become your new favorite!
Print
Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Mexican Casserole is a comforting and flavorful layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and served with sour cream and salsa for added zest.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can Ranch Style beans
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup water
Other Ingredients
- 1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Sour cream for serving
- Salsa for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by greasing it thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, layer the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Serve warm topped with dollops of sour cream and your favorite salsa for extra flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or use spicy Ro-tel tomatoes.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef with additional beans or meat substitute and using vegetable cream soup.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve.
