Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings? Look no further than this Easy Mexican Casserole recipe! Loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, cheese, and layers of tortilla chips, this delicious casserole is a Tex-Mex delight that the whole family will love. Best of all, it's super easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and can be on the table in under an hour. Keep reading for the full recipe, ingredient variations, and tips for making this a surefire hit!

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What Is a Mexican Casserole?

Mexican Casserole is a Tex-Mex style dish that combines layers of seasoned ground beef (or other proteins), beans, vegetables, cheese, and either tortillas or tortilla chips, all baked to perfection. It’s like a cross between a taco and a lasagna, where the layers of chips or tortillas soak up all the delicious flavors from the meat, cheese, and veggies. This casserole is easy to prepare and makes for a perfect one-dish meal, great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients List for Easy Mexican Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, easy-to-make Mexican Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoon homemade seasoning)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels (drained)
• 1 ½ cups salsa (your favorite kind, mild or spicy)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese, divided)
• 2 cups tortilla chips (crushed, or 6 small flour/corn tortillas)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional, for topping)
• ¼ cup green onions (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and flexible, making the recipe easy to customize based on your preferences or what’s in your kitchen.

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own. Here are some great substitutions and variations to fit different dietary needs or taste preferences:

• Protein options: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or additional beans (such as pinto or kidney beans).
• Beans: Use black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans, or even a mix of your favorite varieties.
• Tortillas vs. chips: Tortilla chips add crunch, but you can also use soft tortillas (flour or corn) for a more lasagna-like texture. Layer them like noodles!
• Cheese swaps: While cheddar or Mexican blend cheese works great, you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for extra spice.
• Spice level: Use mild salsa and canned tomatoes with green chilies for a mild dish, or kick it up a notch with medium or hot varieties.
• Low-carb option: Skip the tortilla chips or tortillas altogether and layer with cauliflower rice or zucchini slices for a low-carb variation.

These substitutions make the recipe easily adaptable to fit your preferences, making it a perfect customizable dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to make this Easy Mexican Casserole.

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until it’s fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning packet (or homemade seasoning mix), diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips (or tortillas) on the bottom of the dish. Spoon half of the meat mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meat mixture. Repeat the layers: the remaining tortilla chips, the rest of the meat mixture, and the last cup of shredded cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Top with optional garnishes like sour cream, sliced black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to make this Easy Mexican Casserole:

1. Brown the ground beef with diced onion in a skillet until cooked through.
2. Add garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and salsa, and simmer to combine the flavors.
3. Layer the tortilla chips or tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese in a baking dish.
4. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve with optional toppings like sour cream, olives, and cilantro.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican Casserole:

• Overcooking the chips: If using tortilla chips, keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can cause the chips to lose their crunch. To prevent this, cover the casserole with foil for the first half of baking.
• Not draining the beans or corn: Always drain and rinse canned beans and corn to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Using too much liquid: Avoid adding extra salsa or liquid, as the casserole may turn out soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best consistency.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings: Make sure to taste the meat mixture before assembling the casserole and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or taco seasoning if needed.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is a one-dish meal, but you can elevate the presentation and serve it in a fun way.

How to Serve Mexican Casserole

Serve this casserole hot and straight from the oven. You can scoop it onto plates or serve it family-style directly from the baking dish. Pair it with a fresh side salad, guacamole, or refried beans for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with some warm tortilla chips and salsa on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Mexican Casserole

• Garnish generously: Top the casserole with fresh herbs like cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for added color and freshness.
• Add a side: Serve alongside a refreshing side of Mexican rice, chips and salsa, or guacamole.
• Individual portions: Cut the casserole into neat squares for individual servings, and top each piece with your favorite garnishes.

Mexican Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make your Mexican Casserole even better:

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Add more veggies: Want to sneak in more vegetables? Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this recipe if you prefer a leaner option.

2. Can I make this Mexican Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely. You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using extra beans, vegetables, or plant-based meat alternatives.

3. How long does Mexican Casserole last in the fridge?
The casserole will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

4. Can I reheat Mexican Casserole?
Yes! You can reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

5. What can I serve with Mexican Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or chips and salsa.

Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Casserole is a perfect weeknight meal or potluck dish that’s full of bold, Tex-Mex flavors. With layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, salsa, and cheese, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make and customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving a comforting dinner, this casserole will deliver big on flavor and simplicity.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and make this delicious Mexican Casserole tonight! Your family will thank you for it!

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