If you’re craving a hearty and comforting dish that packs a punch of bold flavors, this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, tangy tomatoes, and crispy tortilla chips, all melted under a blanket of golden cheddar cheese. This casserole is pure comfort food at its best, perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each bringing its own unique taste and texture. From the savory ground beef to the crunchy tortilla chips and creamy cheese, these essentials come together effortlessly to create a vibrant dish that delights every bite.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the meaty base with rich flavor and protein.
- 1 can Ranch Style beans: Adds creamy texture and a slightly smoky taste.
- 1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed: Gives a satisfying crunch and traditional Mexican flair.
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes: Infuses the dish with a zesty tomato and mild chili kick.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts beautifully, adding gooeyness and sharp tang.
- 1 package taco seasoning: Packs in all the classic Mexican spices for authentic flavor.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: Binds ingredients smoothly while keeping the casserole moist.
- ½ cup water: Helps to thin the mixture just enough for perfect consistency.
- Sour cream and salsa for serving: Optional toppings that bring cool creaminess and a fresh, spicy finish.
How to Make Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and cleans up easily later. This simple prep step sets you up for a stress-free cooking experience.
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 for a lighter dish. Stir in the Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Allow this flavorful mixture to simmer gently for about 5 to 10 minutes. This melds the spices and ingredients together, creating a deliciously cohesive filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Begin layering your casserole by spreading a generous layer of crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the greased dish. Next, spoon half of your beef and bean mixture evenly on top of the chips. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more for a beautiful, stacked effect that promises every bite has crunch, creaminess, and cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted into a gooey topping. Keeping it covered during baking steams the casserole slightly, making it moist without drying out.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole to set, making it easier to cut into neat portions. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite salsa for an extra burst of flavor that brings the dish alive.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with garnishes—they add both flavor and personality. Freshly chopped cilantro, slices of ripe avocado, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions work beautifully with this casserole. A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the dish instantly, while adding some jalapeño slices can turn up the heat for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a standalone meal but pairing it with a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn dressed with cotija cheese introduces a fresh balance. Also, a simple side of Spanish rice or black beans complements the flavors without competing with the casserole’s star ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a festive dinner party, or pile it high on dinner plates with contrasting colors like bright yellow corn or red bell pepper slices on the side. For a casual gathering, let guests scoop their portions along with bowls of guacamole and chips for a fun taco-night twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking according to the instructions.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and warm until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. For a crispy top, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly and hot.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as hearty and flavorful.
What if I don’t have Ranch Style beans?
You can substitute with any canned beans you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them if needed, to avoid excess salt or liquid.
Is this casserole spicy?
The spiciness level depends mostly on the Ro-tel tomatoes and taco seasoning you use. If you prefer milder flavors, opt for a mild version of those ingredients or reduce the amount of seasoning.
Can I prepare the casserole entirely in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh to retain the best texture and flavor. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or hosting.
What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
A quick homemade substitute involves mixing equal parts sour cream and condensed milk or using cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a vegetarian option. Both will help keep the casserole creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is a true winner for busy cooks and flavor seekers alike—simple to make, overflowing with comforting textures, and full of fantastic Mexican-inspired vibes. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dishes for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want something warm and inviting on the table.
Print
Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Mexican Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips layered with melted cheddar cheese to create a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with sour cream and salsa, this casserole delivers classic Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can Ranch Style beans
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning
Dairy and Others
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup water
Base and Toppings
- 1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the dish lean. Stir in Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- 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 remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set. Serve warm topped with sour cream and salsa to add creaminess and a fresh, zesty flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Adjust the taco seasoning amount according to your spice preference.
- Crushing the tortilla chips coarsely adds extra texture, but finely crushed chips will create a denser base layer.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
