Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Packed with Flavor - Easy Mexican Casserole

Image Credit: Davin Eberhardt

Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Packed with Flavor

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Did you know that the origins of this hearty Mexican Casserole dish can be traced back to the Tex-Mex cuisine of the Southwestern United States?

It’s a true fusion of flavors by blending traditional Mexican ingredients with American culinary influences. 

Packed with seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, hearty beans, and a blanket of melty cheese, this casserole is guaranteed to wow the crowd. 

Ingredients

Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Packed with Flavor - Easy Mexican Casserole pin
Image Credit: Davin Eberhardt

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty dish:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, drained
  • 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
  • ½ cup green onion, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh tomato, chopped
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

How to Make Mexican Casserole

  1. Get started by setting your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Then, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Place a large skillet on your stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and crumbly. This should take around 8-10 minutes.
  3. Pour the salsa into the skillet with the beef, lower the heat, and let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed. This will take approximately 20 minutes. Then, stir in the beans and cook until everything is heated through.
  4. Create a base layer in your prepared baking dish by spreading the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. Spoon the beef mixture over the chips, followed by an even layer of sour cream. Sprinkle the olives, green onion, and tomatoes over the sour cream, and finish it off with a generous layer of shredded Cheddar cheese.
  5. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and everything is heated through.
  6. Once done, remove it from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve and enjoy!

What to Serve with Mexican Casserole

To complement your flavorful Mexican casserole, consider serving it with:

  • Classic Sides: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole and chips, or Pico de Gallo. 
  • Refreshing Salads: Pair it with a simple green salad with cilantro lime dressing, corn salad with avocado and tomatoes, or a southwest salad with black beans and corn. 
  • Sweet Treats: You can try it with cinnamon sugar chips or churros with chocolate sauce on the side for those sweet dessert cravings. 

These options can add variety and balance to your meal that creates a satisfying dining experience!

How to Store Mexican Casserole

Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Packed with Flavor - Easy Mexican Casserole ingredients
Image Credit: Davin Eberhardt

To keep your Mexican casserole fresh and delicious for later, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerator

  1. Cool: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
  2. Container: Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  3. Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

Freezer

  1. Cool and Portion (Optional): You can freeze the entire casserole or portion it into individual servings for convenience.
  2. Wrap: Wrap the casserole or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or freezer paper.
  3. Label and Date: Label the package with the contents and date to keep track of freshness.
  4. Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to two to three months for best quality.

Reheating

  • From the Refrigerator: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
  • From the Freezer: Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat in the oven or microwave as described above. If reheating from frozen, add extra time to ensure it’s heated through.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your delicious Mexican casserole even days after you’ve made it!

So, why wait? With minimal effort, you can create a dish that bursts with flavor, feeds a crowd, and is sure to become a staple at your table. Whether you’re hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration, a casual weeknight dinner, or just craving a taste of the Southwest, this casserole will surely impress your loved ones and guests. 

Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe Packed with Flavor - Easy Mexican Casserole

Easy Mexican Casserole

A harmonious blend of seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, hearty beans, and melted cheese, all layered on a bed of crunchy tortilla chips and topped with fresh garnishes, this Easy Mexican Casserole is a fiesta of flavors in every bite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 3
Calories 1411 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Oven
  • 1 9×13 inch baking dish
  • 1 Large skillet
  • Cooking spray
  • Measuring cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 1 16 oz can chili beans (drained)
  • 3 cups tortilla chips (crushed)
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 2 oz can sliced black olives (drained)
  • ½ cup green onion (chopped)
  • ½ cup fresh tomato (chopped)
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions
 

  • Get started by setting your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Then, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  • Place a large skillet on your stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and crumbly. This should take around 8-10 minutes.
  • Pour the salsa into the skillet with the beef, lower the heat, and let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed. This will take approximately 20 minutes. Then, stir in the beans and cook until everything is heated through.
  • Create a base layer in your prepared baking dish by spreading the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. Spoon the beef mixture over the chips, followed by an even layer of sour cream. Sprinkle the olives, green onion, and tomatoes over the sour cream, and finish it off with a generous layer of shredded Cheddar cheese.
  • Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and everything is heated through.
  • Once done, remove it from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 1411kcalCarbohydrates: 99gProtein: 64gFat: 87gSaturated Fat: 37gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 260mgSodium: 2154mgPotassium: 1429mgFiber: 9gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 2546IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 872mgIron: 6mg
Keyword easy mexican casserole, mexican casserole
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.