Easy Mexican Casserole 🌮🧀 – A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

Need a quick, satisfying, and family-friendly dinner idea? This Mexican Casserole is a bold, cheesy, and comforting one-pan meal layered with seasoned beef, beans, tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips—all baked together under melty cheddar cheese. It’s everything you love about Tex-Mex flavors in one bubbly, oven-baked dish that comes together in just 40 minutes.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, game day parties, or anytime you want something hearty and crowd-pleasing. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite salsa for a dinner that everyone will be asking for seconds of!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel tomatoes (with green chilies)
1 (15 oz) can Ranch Style beans
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
½ cup water
1 (10–12 oz) bag tortilla chips, crushed (enough to layer, not the whole bag)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

For Serving:

Sour cream
Salsa

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Add Ro-Tel tomatoes, Ranch Style beans, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water. Stir well and simmer for 5–7 minutes until heated through and well combined.

2. Assemble the Casserole:

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the dish.
Top with half the meat mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Add another layer of crushed chips, the remaining meat mixture, and top with the rest of the cheese.

3. Bake and Serve:

Cover with foil and bake for 20–30 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Top with sour cream and salsa, if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Flavor Profile

Cheesy and savory: Melted cheddar and seasoned beef bring bold, comforting flavors.
Crunchy meets creamy: The tortilla chips add crunch, while the creamy soup base adds richness.
Spicy kick: Ro-Tel tomatoes and taco seasoning provide just the right heat (adjust to taste).

Tips and Variations

Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
Add veggies: Stir in corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Ranch Style beans? They are seasoned pinto beans in a chili-like sauce. You can substitute with chili beans or seasoned black beans if needed.

2. Can I use Doritos instead of tortilla chips? Yes! Nacho cheese or ranch-flavored Doritos add a fun twist.

3. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes—use gluten-free tortilla chips and a gluten-free soup substitute.

4. What kind of cheese works best? Cheddar is classic, but you can use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for variety.

5. Will the chips stay crispy? The chips soften during baking to absorb flavor. Add extra crushed chips on top if you like more crunch!

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Conclusion: A Cheesy, Spicy Classic the Whole Family Will Love 🌶️

This Easy Mexican Casserole is the kind of dinner that brings everyone running to the table. It’s simple, comforting, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pan dish delivers on taste and convenience. So grab your casserole dish, layer it up, and let the oven do the magic. ¡Buen provecho! 🇲🇽🧀