Mexican Casserole

Savor the flavors of a hearty Mexican meal with this delicious Mexican Casserole. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish layers ground beef, beans, and cheese over a bed of crispy tortilla chips, all topped with creamy goodness. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 can Ranch Style beans
1 10-12 ounce bag tortilla chips, crushed (you may not need 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

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and drain off any excess fat.
• Stir in the Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Simmer over medium-low heat until well combined and heated through.

1. Assemble the Casserole

• Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Layer the bottom with crushed tortilla chips.
• Spread half of the meat and bean mixture over the chips.
• Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, meat and bean mixture, and cheddar cheese.

1. Bake

• Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly.

1. Serve

• Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Top with sour cream and salsa.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Include bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
• Swap Proteins: Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
2. What type of cheese can I use?
   You can substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned Ro-tel?
   Yes, fresh diced tomatoes can be used, but you may want to add some diced green chilies for similar flavor.
5. How can I make it vegetarian?
   Omit the ground beef and replace it with additional beans or lentils.
6. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
   You can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce instead.
7. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
8. How do I know when the casserole is done?
   It should be bubbly and heated through; the cheese should be melted and golden.
9. Can I adjust the spice level?
   Absolutely! Use mild taco seasoning and omit spicy elements if preferred.
10. What can I serve with this casserole?
    A simple side salad or Mexican rice pairs nicely with this dish.

Conclusion

This Mexican Casserole is a delightful and hearty meal that brings the best of Mexican flavors right to your table. Easy to prepare and bursting with cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite toppings and share it with family and friends!

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