If you are craving a dish that brings together comfort food with vibrant, zesty flavors, this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe is just what you need. Rich layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, and a mix of saucy goodness come together to create an irresistible meal that both busy weeknights and special gatherings will thank you for. Simple enough for cooks of any level, this casserole combines classic Mexican-inspired ingredients into one crowd-pleasing, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this dish truly shine. Each component adds something special, from the bold flavors and textures to the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy elements.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a savory and protein-packed base, perfect for absorbing all the spices.
- 1 (15-oz) can Ranch Style beans: Adds a creamy texture and a hint of warmth, complementing the meat beautifully.
- 1 (10-12 oz) bag tortilla chips, crushed: Gives the casserole its signature crunchy layers—feel free to use less if you prefer a softer texture.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained: Infuses the dish with a punch of tangy, mildly spicy tomato flavor.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings a delicate sweetness and depth once sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melted cheese adds gooey richness and a beautiful golden finish.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: Packs in authentic Mexican spices without any extra fuss.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a creamy binder, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
- ½ cup water: Helps meld the ingredients together in the skillet for the perfect consistency.
- Sour cream and salsa for serving: These cool and zesty toppings brighten every bite with fresh contrast.
How to Make Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Combine Flavors
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef until it’s beautifully caramelized and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole light yet flavorful. Then, stir in the Ranch Style beans, undrained Rotel tomatoes and chilies, chopped onions, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Let this savory mixture simmer gently on medium-low heat until everything is warmed through and perfectly blended, stirring occasionally to marry all those bold flavors.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Next, grease a 9×13 casserole dish to prevent sticking and start layering. Begin with a generous coat of crushed tortilla chips, giving a crispy base. Spoon over a hearty layer of the meat and bean mixture, followed by a scatter of shredded cheddar. Repeat these layers once more, finishing with the remaining cheddar cheese on top. This beautiful layering ensures every serving has that perfect crunchy-cheesy-meaty balance.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbling and Delicious
Cover the casserole with foil and slide it into your preheated oven at 325°F. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, just until the edges start bubbling and the cheese melts through to golden perfection beneath the foil.
Step 4: Broil for a Golden Finish
Remove the foil carefully and place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping slightly. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn—this step adds that irresistible toasty layer that makes every forkful a joy.
Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve
After baking, give the casserole 5 to 10 minutes to cool and set. This resting period helps the layers solidify and makes serving neat and easy. When ready, top each slice with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of fresh salsa to add creaminess and bright acidity, perfecting this classic comfort food.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Personalizing the easy Mexican casserole recipe with garnishes takes this dish from simple to spectacular. Fresh cilantro sprigs add a bright herbal note, while sliced jalapeños bring extra heat for those who like it spicy. A sprinkle of chopped green onions enhances crunch and color, and a few slices of ripe avocado introduce creamy smoothness. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice for a little zesty zing right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with refreshing sides to balance its richness. A crisp green salad tossed with lime and olive oil adds a light, citrusy contrast. Mexican street corn (elote) with smoky spices and tangy cotija cheese can amplify the festive vibe. Even simple black beans and rice or a bowl of guacamole with extra tortilla chips will elevate your meal while keeping the flavors harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Serve this easy Mexican casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned, charming presentations. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass baking dish lets everyone admire the colorful strata of chips, beef, beans, and cheese before digging in. For casual gatherings, scoop it into warm flour tortillas or over crisp tostadas for a fun twist on taco night that works just as well with this comforting casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to deepen, so when reheated, it tastes just as tasty as freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this casserole later, it freezes pretty well. Assemble and bake it fully, then allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through for that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway to prevent sogginess. Adding a little extra shredded cheese over the top before warming up will keep the dish just as cheesy and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative. The taco seasoning and other ingredients will carry the flavor beautifully without the meat.
What can I use instead of Ranch Style beans?
If you can’t find Ranch Style beans, substitute with pinto beans or black beans drained and rinsed. These will keep the creamy texture and hearty feel intact.
Is it okay to use regular cream of chicken soup instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use regular cream of chicken soup, but be mindful of the added salt. You might want to reduce or skip any extra salt in the seasoning to balance the flavors.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped zucchini all make great additions. Just sauté them with the onions to soften before mixing into the meat mixture.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time and bake later?
You sure can. Layer the casserole in your dish and cover it tightly with foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect option for a ready-to-go weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s speedy, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor and texture everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this casserole delivers all the comfort and excitement of Mexican cuisine in one cheerful, bubbling dish. Give it a try—you’re going to adore how effortlessly delicious it is!
Print
Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Mexican Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, ranch-style beans, Rotel tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese layered with crunchy tortilla chips. Prepared quickly on the stovetop and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Meat and Bean Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (15-oz) can Ranch Style beans
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup water
Casserole Layers
- 1 (10-12 oz) bag tortilla chips, crushed (about half the bag used)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Serving
- Sour cream, for topping
- Salsa, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and brown meat: Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine ingredients in skillet: To the browned beef, add Ranch Style beans, undrained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Stir everything together and let it simmer over medium-low heat until the mixture is well combined and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Start with a layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom, then spread half of the meat and bean mixture over the chips. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining chips, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Broil for bubbly cheese: Carefully remove the foil and place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese starts to brown and bubble. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish individual servings with sour cream and salsa as desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the quantity of tortilla chips based on your preferred crunch level; not the whole bag is necessary.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and improve the texture of the casserole.
- For a spicier dish, add extra diced chilies or hot sauce to taste.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
