If Mexican cuisine is a staple at your house as it is in ours, you’ll find yourself eagerly adding this ultimate Mexican Casserole to your meal rotation. This casserole marries pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a rich, cheesy dish that embodies the bold flavors of the Southwest.
It’s reminiscent of King Ranch Chicken, but with the hearty twist of ground beef, making it a robust and satisfying meal. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially if you cook the beef ahead of time. This dish not only saves you time on a busy weeknight but also heats up wonderfully the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Easy Mexican Casserole: A Hearty Family Favorite
This Easy Mexican Casserole is perfect for any occasion that calls for a filling and flavorful dish. Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a potluck, or even a tailgate party, it’s sure to be a hit.
The layers of crushed tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, and melted cheese create a texture and flavor explosion that is irresistible. Plus, the simple preparation steps ensure that anyone can make it and be the star of their next gathering.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus time to brown the beef)
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can Ranch Style beans
- 1 (10-12 ounce) bag tortilla chips, crushed
- 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 the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it will be ready by the time you finish preparing the casserole.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish light and not overly greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water to the skillet with the beef. Stir well and simmer the mixture over medium-low heat until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Begin by laying down a foundation of crushed tortilla chips. Top this with half of the meat and bean mixture, then sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more to build up the flavors and textures.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Serve warm topped with dollops of sour cream and salsa for added zest and creaminess.
