Mexican Casserole

This comforting Mexican Casserole is a crowd-pleasing favorite loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors! Layers of crushed tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, melty cheddar, and a creamy, zesty sauce come together to create the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s quick to assemble, budget-friendly, and bursting with cheesy, spicy goodness just add a dollop of sour cream and salsa to complete the fiesta!

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 can Ranch Style beans
• 1 (10–12 ounce) bag tortilla chips, crushed (you may not need the whole bag)
• 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes (with green chiles)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup water
• Sour cream and salsa, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Combine the filling: Stir in the Ranch Style beans, Ro-Tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Simmer over medium-low heat until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Assemble the casserole: Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the prepared dish. Add half of the meat and bean mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with chips, the remaining meat mixture, and the rest of the cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
6. Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream and salsa for a perfect finishing touch!

Variation

1. Chicken Enchilada Twist: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken and swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom. Top with Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy, enchilada-inspired version.
2. Spicy Bean Lovers: Add black beans and corn to the filling for extra texture and a boost of flavor. This also stretches the meal to feed a larger group!
3. Veggie Delight: Omit the meat and double the beans. Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option that’s still packed with Mexican flavor.

Cooking Notes

• Layering tip: Don’t overuse the chips too many can make the dish dry. A light layer provides crunch without overpowering the filling.
• Cheese melting: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Baking uncovered: For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Garnish with sliced green onions, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro for color and freshness.
• Sides: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad to make it a complete meal.
• Leftover magic: Wrap leftovers in warm tortillas for easy burritos the next day!

Tips

• Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 10 extra minutes to the cook time.
• Freezer-friendly: This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Cheese varieties: Mix cheddar with pepper jack or Colby for more depth and heat.
• Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or jalapeño-flavored Doritos on top right before serving for an extra pop of texture.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 475
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 980mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and bake it the next day. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy evenings.

2. What can I use instead of Ranch Style beans?
You can use pinto beans or black beans just add an extra teaspoon of taco seasoning for flavor balance.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free tortilla chips and check that your soup and taco seasoning are labeled gluten-free.

4. How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, use hot Ro-Tel tomatoes, or mix in a few tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Conclusion

This Mexican Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy kick quick, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether for family dinners, potlucks, or game night, it’s sure to be a hit every single time. One bite, and everyone will be asking for seconds!

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