Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with this hearty and flavorful Mexican Casserole recipe. Packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and layers of gooey cheese, this comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite. Simple to prepare and bursting with savory goodness, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this delicious casserole in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can Ranch Style beans
- 1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed (adjust quantity as desired)
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup water
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Directions:
- Preheat and Brown Meat: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: To the cooked ground beef, add the Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium-low heat until heated through and flavors are well combined.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Begin layering the ingredients by spreading a portion of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Layering: Next, spoon a layer of the meat and bean mixture over the crushed tortilla chips, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with another layer of crushed tortilla chips, followed by the remaining meat and bean mixture, and finally, the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve slices of the Mexican Casserole hot, accompanied by dollops of sour cream and salsa on top.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Mexican Casserole with your loved ones for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving:
- Garnish Suggestions: Enhance the presentation and flavor by topping the Mexican Casserole with freshly chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole or salsa before serving.
- Accompaniments: Serve the casserole with sides such as rice, refried beans, cornbread, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Customization: Allow guests to personalize their servings with additional toppings such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, black olives, or hot sauce according to their taste preferences.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Mexican Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through before enjoying.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for longer-term storage. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations:
1. Vegetarian Version:
- Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative such as crumbled tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the casserole.
2. Tex-Mex Twist:
- Add a Tex-Mex flair by incorporating ingredients like corn kernels, diced green chilies, or black beans into the meat and bean mixture for added flavor and texture.
3. Spicy Kick:
- Increase the heat by adding extra jalapeños, diced green chilies, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for those who enjoy a spicier dish.
4. Healthier Options:
- Opt for low-fat or reduced-sodium versions of ingredients such as cream of chicken soup, cheese, and tortilla chips to reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the casserole.
5. Fresh Vegetable Medley:
- Incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the casserole for added nutrition and color. Sauté the vegetables with the ground beef for a flavorful twist.
6. Cheesy Variation:
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend cheese to create a more indulgent and cheesy casserole.
7. Taco Bar Inspired:
- Serve the Mexican Casserole alongside a DIY taco bar with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, and salsa, allowing guests to customize their servings to their liking.
8. Whole Grain Option:
- Substitute traditional tortilla chips with whole grain or multigrain tortilla chips for added fiber and nutritional benefits.
9. Breakfast Casserole Twist:
- Transform leftovers into a delicious breakfast casserole by adding beaten eggs and milk to the mixture before baking. Top with shredded cheese and bake until set for a hearty morning meal.
10. Chipotle Infusion:
- Infuse smoky chipotle flavor by adding a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or chipotle seasoning to the meat mixture for a bold and spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of heat.
FAQs:
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.
2. Are Ranch Style beans necessary, or can I use a different type of beans?
- While Ranch Style beans add a unique flavor, you can substitute them with any canned beans of your choice, such as black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
4. Can I make this casserole without cream of chicken soup?
- Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy sauce using chicken broth and flour as a thickener for a similar texture.
5. How do I reheat leftover Mexican Casserole?
- To reheat individual servings, microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
6. Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?
- Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables such as diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or black olives for added flavor and nutrition.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
- The recipe, as written, contains ingredients such as tortilla chips and taco seasoning that may contain gluten. However, you can make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free versions of these ingredients.
8. Can I make this casserole spicy?
- Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more jalapeños, using hot Ro-tel tomatoes, or incorporating additional spices such as chili powder or cayenne pepper.
9. Can I freeze Mexican Casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
10. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until heated through.
With its savory blend of seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and gooey cheese, this Mexican Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or as a comforting dish for gatherings, it’s guaranteed to satisfy cravings for delicious Mexican flavors. Give this easy-to-make recipe a try and indulge in a taste of south-of-the-border goodness right at home.
