If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex straight to your table, this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. Loaded with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, zesty Ro-tel tomatoes, and a crunchy tortilla chip base, it perfectly balances textures and tastes. It’s fuss-free enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve when friends or family come over. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to casseroles to whip up time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe sing with flavor. Each component is simple but essential, bringing its own unique texture, color, or seasoning to build that perfect layered dish.
- Lean ground beef: Provides a rich and savory base for the casserole’s meaty heart.
- Ranch Style beans: Adds creaminess and extra protein, deepening the dish’s flavor.
- Tortilla chips, crushed: Gives a delightful crunch and a subtle corn flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
- Ro-tel tomatoes: These canned tomatoes with green chilies bring a zesty kick and moisture to the mix.
- Small onion, chopped: Infuses the casserole with aromatic sweetness that complements the spices.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melted cheese ties everything together with gooey, savory goodness.
- Taco seasoning: A classic spice blend that delivers the bold Mexican-inspired flavor punch.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds luscious creaminess, making the casserole moist and comforting.
- Water: Used to thin the soup and help meld all ingredients while simmering.
- Sour cream and salsa (for serving): Fresh toppings that brighten each bite with tang and spice.
How to Make Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Start by setting your oven to 325°F (163°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and bakes evenly to a golden finish.
Step 2: Cook the Flavorful Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef until nicely caramelized, 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 5 to 10 minutes so all those wonderful spices and ingredients marry together beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Start by spreading a layer of crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of your casserole dish. Next, spread half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with half the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more, creating a visually appealing and tasty stack of crispy, creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Bake Until Hot and Bubbly
Cover your casserole tightly with foil and bake it for 20 to 30 minutes. You want it to heat through completely and bubble at the edges, signaling all the flavors are melding into perfection and the cheese has melted just right.
Step 5: Rest and Serve with Tasty Toppings
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve and letting the flavors deepen. Add a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa on each serving for extra zing and creaminess.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this casserole isn’t just about prettiness—it layers in flavor and texture. Bright, cool sour cream balances the spiciness, while fresh salsa adds a tangy burst. Try chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for extra freshness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a citrusy dressing or a side of Mexican rice. For a truly comforting meal, serve alongside warm refried beans or a bowl of guacamole with crunchy chips.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond layering in a casserole dish. You can serve this casserole deconstructed in layers in clear glass bowls for guests to appreciate its vibrant colors. Or try turning it into individual portions baked in ramekins for a charming presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers a quick and tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Cool it completely before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm it in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through and bubbly again, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a speedy lunch or dinner option.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative. The other ingredients remain the same and the casserole stays just as hearty and flavorful.
What can I use instead of Ranch Style beans?
If you can’t find Ranch Style beans, you can substitute with black beans or pinto beans. Drain and rinse them for best results and add a bit of seasoning to mimic the ranch flavor if desired.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Ro-tel?
Fresh tomatoes can work in a pinch, but Ro-tel combines tomatoes with green chilies adding a nice kick and moisture balance. If using fresh tomatoes, consider adding chopped green chilies and a bit of tomato juice or broth.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup alternative or substitute with a blend of coconut milk and chicken broth. Swap cheddar cheese for a plant-based cheese and choose dairy-free sour cream for toppings.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and Ro-tel tomatoes. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot versions of these ingredients or by adding jalapeños and other spicy toppings.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines bold flavors with simple preparation—perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Its versatility, comforting layers, and delicious ease make it a dish worth keeping in your recipe arsenal. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy this flavorful gem as much as I do!
Print
Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Mexican Casserole recipe is a flavorful, comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and melted cheddar over crunchy tortilla chips. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection, topped with sour cream and salsa for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can Ranch Style beans
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning
Dairy and Soup
- 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 to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Stir in Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Add half of the beef and bean mixture on top, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with another layer of crushed chips, the remaining beef and bean mixture, and finish with the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes to set. Serve warm, topped with sour cream and salsa to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or use spicy Ro-tel tomatoes.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Double the recipe to serve a larger crowd.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Crushing the tortilla chips adds a nice crunchy texture to the casserole base.
