If you’re craving a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, zesty Ro-tel tomatoes, and crispy tortilla chips, all topped with melted cheddar cheese that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this casserole is simple to whip up but impressively delicious, perfectly balancing texture and spice in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component, from the crispy tortilla chips to the seasoned meat, plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish irresistible.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the rich, savory base and protein for the casserole.
- 1 can Ranch Style beans: Adds creamy texture and a subtle hearty flavor that complements the beef.
- 1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed: Gives a crunchy layer to balance the softness of the filling.
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes: Injects a spicy, tangy kick with diced tomatoes and green chilies combined.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a fresh bite and enhances the savory depth.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts beautifully over and between layers, delivering gooey richness.
- 1 package taco seasoning: Brings authentic Mexican-inspired spices, tying the whole dish together.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy, comforting binding sauce.
- ½ cup water: Helps to meld all ingredients into a cohesive filling.
- Sour cream and salsa for serving: Perfect finishing touches for added creaminess and vibrant flavor.
How to Make Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start things off by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Be sure to grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish well—this makes cleanup easier and prevents your casserole from sticking, making it a smooth experience from start to finish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain off any excess fat. Next, stir in the Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Let this savory mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes; this step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a rich, creamy consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grab your casserole dish and start by spreading a generous layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom—this creates a crunchy foundation. Follow this with a layer of your beef and bean mixture, then sprinkle on half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more to build a hearty, cheesy casserole that’s going to bake up perfectly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the entire casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted to ooey-gooey perfection. This step locks in all those rich flavors and melds the layers together into one irresistible dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, give your casserole a few minutes to settle—about 5 to 10 minutes works great. Serve it warm, topped with a dollop of cool sour cream and a spoonful of fresh salsa for an added burst of flavor and a lovely contrast in temperature and texture.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is just begging for garnishes that both elevate its flavor and add freshness. Try topping it with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños for a spicy punch, or diced avocado for creaminess. Each addition brings a fun, customizable element that lets everyone tailor their serving just right.
Side Dishes
Pairing this casserole with simple sides can round out your meal perfectly. Think crisp green salads, Mexican street corn, or a scoop of Spanish rice—the refreshing crunch or mildly spiced elements balance the richness of the casserole for a full, satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming touch or layer it in a clear glass dish so those beautiful, cheesy layers are on full display. You can even add a side of warm flour tortillas for scooping, giving everyone a fun way to dig in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as good—if not better—the next day for an easy lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the casserole in a suitable container before baking, or wrap it tightly after it’s cooled post-baking. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers covered with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warm through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method keeps the taco chips pleasantly crispy while warming evenly.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a hearty vegetable mix like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini or use a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just keep the same seasoning and beans for that classic flavor.
What if I don’t have Ranch Style beans?
No worries! You can swap them with black beans or pinto beans. Just rinse and drain canned beans before adding to maintain the right texture and flavor balance.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely. While cheddar cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a similar melty, flavorful topping.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free tortilla chips and verify that your taco seasoning and cream of chicken soup don’t contain gluten. There are plenty of gluten-free products available that work perfectly in this recipe.
How spicy is this casserole?
The level of spice depends mostly on the Ro-tel tomatoes and taco seasoning you choose. If you prefer milder flavors, opt for mild Ro-tel or reduce the seasoning slightly. You can always add hot sauce or jalapeños at the table if you want more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s both incredibly simple and super satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Its layers of flavor, ease of prep, and crowd-pleasing taste make it an absolute winner in my book. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the smiles it brings around your dinner table!
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 flavorful, layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick family dinner, it combines classic Tex-Mex ingredients baked into a comforting casserole. Served with sour cream and salsa, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can Ranch Style beans (15 oz)
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (10 oz)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning (1 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ cup water
- 1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For Serving
- Sour cream, to taste
- Salsa, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess fat. Stir in the Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Simmer the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set. Serve topped with sour cream and salsa for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, use spicy Ro-tel tomatoes or add jalapeños.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables.
- Make sure to crush the tortilla chips into bite-sized pieces for easier layering and eating.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
