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
Scale
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.
