Discover the Fiesta Flavors of Easy Mexican Casserole
Embark on a culinary journey filled with vibrant flavors and hearty goodness with our Easy Mexican Casserole recipe. This one-dish wonder combines layers of lean ground beef, Ranch Style beans, crushed tortilla chips, and a medley of savory spices, all smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a festive gathering with friends, this crowd-pleasing casserole is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Join us as we dive into the world of Mexican-inspired cuisine and learn how to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can Ranch Style beans
- 1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed (I didn’t use the whole bag)
- 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
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and water. Mix well to combine.
- Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortilla chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and bean mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla chips, beef and bean mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side for extra flavor.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize your Easy Mexican Casserole with your favorite toppings such as sliced jalapenos, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- For added spice, use a can of Ro-tel tomatoes with green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef and bean mixture.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding extra beans or your favorite meatless alternative.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- While traditional Easy Mexican Casserole is not suitable for a keto or low-carb diet due to the beans and tortilla chips, you can make modifications to create a keto-friendly version of the recipe.
- Substitute crushed pork rinds or low-carb tortilla chips for the traditional tortilla chips to reduce the carb content.
- Omit the Ranch Style beans or replace them with black soybeans for a lower-carb alternative.
- Use a homemade keto-friendly cream of chicken soup made with almond flour or coconut flour instead of the canned version.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Easy Mexican Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of south-of-the-border goodness with every bite of this delicious and comforting dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it for later? Yes, you can assemble the Easy Mexican Casserole ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Simply cover the assembled casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a delicious alternative to beef in this recipe. Simply brown the ground poultry in the skillet as you would with the beef, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
- What can I serve with Easy Mexican Casserole? This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as Mexican rice, refried beans, cornbread, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with additional toppings such as sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
- Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, you can make Easy Mexican Casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free tortilla chips or omitting them altogether. Be sure to check the labels of all other ingredients, including the taco seasoning and cream of chicken soup, to ensure they are gluten-free.
- Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe? Of course! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend cheese for a unique flavor profile. You can also mix and match cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or black olives to the casserole for added texture and flavor. Simply sauté the vegetables with the ground beef and onion until softened before proceeding with the recipe as directed.
- Can I make this casserole spicy? Absolutely! If you like a bit of heat, you can add chopped jalapenos, green chilies, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef and bean mixture for added spice. Adjust the amount of spice according to your taste preferences.
- Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of the packaged mix? Yes, you can use homemade taco seasoning in this recipe for a fresher and more customizable flavor. Simply combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste, then use as directed in the recipe.
- What size baking dish should I use for this casserole? A 9×13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe, but you can use a slightly larger or smaller dish depending on what you have available. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.
- Can I make this casserole dairy-free? Yes, you can make Easy Mexican Casserole dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese and cream of chicken soup alternatives. Look for dairy-free options at your local grocery store or make your own dairy-free cheese and soup substitutes at home.
