Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare? This Easy Mexican Casserole is the perfect solution! With layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and tortilla chips, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Follow the recipe below for a simple, tasty, and customizable Mexican-inspired meal!

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What is a Mexican Casserole?

A Mexican Casserole is a layered, baked dish that incorporates classic Mexican flavors like seasoned ground beef or chicken, beans, corn, and plenty of melted cheese. Typically, it also includes tortillas or tortilla chips as a base or topping to add texture and crunch. The dish is similar to a taco or enchilada casserole but with fewer steps and more flexibility in ingredients. The result is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

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Ingredients List for Mexican Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (or homemade taco seasoning)
• Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
• Corn: 1 can (15 oz, drained) or 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
• Rotel Tomatoes: 1 can (10 oz, diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• Tortilla Chips: 4-5 cups (crushed, use your favorite brand or variety)
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• Sour Cream: ½ cup (optional, for layering and extra creaminess)
• Onion: 1 small, diced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
• Green Chiles: 1 small can (optional, for added flavor)
• Cilantro: Fresh, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Toppings (Optional):

• Sour Cream
• Diced Tomatoes
• Sliced Jalapeños
• Chopped Green Onions
• Sliced Avocado or Guacamole
• Shredded Lettuce

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Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to make this Easy Mexican Casserole your own with these substitutions and variations:

Substitutions:

• Protein Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
• Beans: Black beans are great, but you can also use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even refried beans for a smoother texture.
• Cheese Choices: Use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend if you prefer. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the tortilla chips with low-carb tortillas or simply omit them for a grain-free option.

Variations:

• Chicken Version: Use cooked, shredded chicken instead of ground beef. You can season the chicken with taco seasoning or use leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
• Enchilada Sauce: For an enchilada-style casserole, pour a can of enchilada sauce over the beef and bean mixture before layering with cheese and chips.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the ground beef for more heat.
• Taco Pie: For a layered taco pie, use soft flour or corn tortillas instead of tortilla chips.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Easy Mexican Casserole is straightforward and quick to make. Here’s how to prepare it step-by-step:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4. Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning, drained black beans, drained corn, and Rotel tomatoes (with their juices). If using, add the green chiles. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Layer the Casserole: In your prepared baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom (about 2 cups). Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips, followed by a layer of sour cream (optional), and then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of chips, beef mixture, and cheese on top.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or guacamole.

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How to Cook Mexican Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions:

Start by cooking the onion until it’s softened, then brown the ground beef. This step develops flavor and ensures the beef is fully cooked. If you're using turkey or chicken, cook it the same way, making sure to drain any excess fat.

2. Mix in the Flavorful Add-ins:

Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and optional green chiles to the skillet. Let this mixture simmer briefly so the flavors can combine. The taco seasoning adds a classic Mexican flavor, while the beans and corn add texture and heartiness.

3. Layer the Ingredients:

Tortilla chips form the crunchy base and middle layer of this casserole. The beef mixture, sour cream, and cheese create layers of creamy, cheesy goodness. Repeat these layers for maximum flavor and texture.

4. Bake Until Golden:

Baking the casserole melts the cheese and crisps up the top layer of tortilla chips, creating a perfect balance of cheesy, crunchy, and savory.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the Chips: Don’t bake the tortilla chips for too long, or they’ll lose their crunch. Adding a foil cover during the first part of baking helps retain moisture while allowing the cheese to melt without drying out the chips.
• Not Draining the Meat Mixture: If you don’t drain the fat from the ground beef or the juices from the beans and tomatoes, the casserole can become too watery. Make sure to drain everything well before layering.
• Using Too Much Salt: If using a store-bought taco seasoning, be mindful of how much salt you add, as these seasonings can be quite salty. Taste the mixture before adding more salt.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Mexican Casserole:

• Serve Hot: This casserole is best served hot, right out of the oven, when the cheese is still melty and the chips are crunchy.
• Pair with Sides: Serve with classic Mexican sides like a simple green salad, Spanish rice, or refried beans. A side of guacamole or salsa and chips makes for a complete meal.
• Taco Bar Style: Set up a “taco bar” with extra toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, and sour cream, so everyone can customize their slice.

Presentation Ideas for Mexican Casserole:

• Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor and color.
• Individual Servings: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small bowls for a fun and personalized dinner experience.
• Skillet Serving: Present the casserole straight from the oven in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, family-style meal.

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Mexican Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and double the beans or add cooked quinoa or tofu crumbles for a plant-based alternative.

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of tortilla chips?
A: Yes! You can layer soft flour tortillas or corn tortillas in place of the chips for a different texture, more similar to an enchilada casserole.

Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Make sure to use gluten-free tortilla chips and check that your taco seasoning and other ingredients (like Rotel and beans) are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes! Shredded leftover chicken works well in this casserole. Simply toss it with the taco seasoning and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Q: How can I add more veggies to this dish?
A: You can add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef mixture. Sauté them with the onions and garlic to soften them before layering.

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Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Casserole is a simple, satisfying, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With layers of seasoned meat, beans, corn, tortilla chips, and melted cheese, it’s a comfort food favorite that delivers on flavor with minimal effort. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking—whether you prefer it spicy, vegetarian, or loaded with toppings. Try this recipe tonight, and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal with all your favorite Mexican flavors!

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