Are you searching for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together effortlessly? Look no further than this incredible mexican casserole! This dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, layered meal perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will adore every bite of this savory, cheesy, and customizable delight. It’s a fantastic way to bring bold flavors to your table with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Casserole
This delightful ground beef mexican casserole truly delivers on flavor and convenience. It quickly becomes a go-to recipe for so many reasons:
- Effortless Weeknight Dinner: Prepare a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Readily Available Ingredients: You likely have many of these staple items in your pantry already, saving you a trip to the store.
- Bursting with Authentic Mexican Flavors: Understanding the core elements of Mexican cooking can elevate your dishes. Experts highlight the essential ingredients for Mexican cooking that define its unique taste.
- Customizable to Suit Any Palate: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze portions for quick future meals.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering mexican casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building rich layers of flavor and texture.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 can chili beans (15 ounces), undrained
- 1 can Rotel (10 ounces, diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounces)
- 12-16 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this versatile recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. For the ground meat, consider ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter alternative. If you prefer homemade, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for your own taco seasoning. Instead of chili beans, use black beans or pinto beans for a different texture. Feel free to use plain diced tomatoes and a can of chopped green chilies if you cannot find Rotel. For the crushed tomatoes, plain tomato sauce works well in a pinch. Finally, try a blend of Mexican cheese, Monterey Jack, or colby for delicious cheesy variations.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to create this fantastic mexican casserole. Simplicity is key for quick and easy cooking.
- Large skillet: Perfect for browning the meat and simmering the flavorful sauce.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish: This size is ideal for layering and baking a family-sized portion.
Instructions
Creating this flavorful mexican casserole is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. Follow along for a delicious and easy meal.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare the hearty meat mixture that forms the core of your casserole. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Ensuring the meat is cooked thoroughly is crucial for food safety; the USDA provides clear guidance on the safe minimum internal temperature for ground meat. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili beans, Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Next, assemble the delicious layers of your mexican casserole. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange a single layer of quartered corn tortillas on the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread half of the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer. Add another layer of quartered corn tortillas on top of the cheese.
Pour the remaining meat mixture over this second tortilla layer, spreading it out smoothly. Evenly spread the sour cream over the top of the meat mixture. This adds a lovely creamy texture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the sour cream layer.
Place the assembled casserole into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Serve your hot mexican casserole with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results for your ground beef mexican casserole with these helpful tips. Focus on these simple details for a perfect dish every time.
For best results, ensure your layers are as even as possible. This promotes consistent cooking and flavor distribution. Always brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding other ingredients, then drain the fat completely. This prevents a greasy casserole. Check the casserole for doneness by ensuring the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. A light golden crust indicates it is ready. Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking is crucial. This allows the layers to settle, preventing the dish from falling apart when you serve it. For a perfectly golden and bubbly cheesy topping, you can switch the oven to broil for the last minute or two, but watch it very closely to avoid burning.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile mexican casserole makes an amazing meal on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with various sides and offers plenty of customization.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty mexican casserole with classic side dishes like a simple green salad or a scoop of Mexican rice. You can also offer creative topping ideas such as sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, a dollop of guacamole, extra sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. For an added crunch, serve with a side of tortilla chips.
Storage & Freezing
Store leftover mexican casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the entire casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
Explore different protein sources like ground turkey or shredded chicken for this adaptable recipe. Try different tortilla options, such as flour tortillas or even gluten-free alternatives. Incorporate other bean varieties like black beans or cannellini beans for a unique twist. Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the meat mixture. For a heartier meal, mix cooked rice directly into the ground beef mixture. To make a vegetarian adaptation, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles. Enhance the flavor profile by adding sliced black olives or diced jalapeños before baking. You can also layer in a favorite salsa or enchilada sauce for a bolder taste.
Nutrition
Enjoying this delicious mexican casserole is even better when you understand its nutritional contributions. This table provides approximate values for a single serving.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
| Calcium | 30% DV |
| Iron | 25% DV |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
FAQ
You might have a few questions about making the perfect mexican casserole. Here are some common queries answered.
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use flour tortillas. They will create a softer, chewier texture compared to the corn tortillas.
Q: How long does Mexican casserole last in the refrigerator?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container, your casserole will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. This makes it excellent for meal prepping.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
Q: What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
A: Shredded cheddar cheese works wonderfully for its flavor and melt. However, a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese also melts beautifully and adds a great taste.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: The spice level is mild as written, mostly from the Rotel. You can easily adjust it by choosing mild or hot Rotel, or by adding extra chili powder or sliced jalapeños for more heat.
Q: Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?
A: Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn are fantastic additions to the meat mixture. Just be sure to cook them down a bit so they don’t release too much moisture.
Conclusion
This easy ground beef mexican casserole is truly a triumph of flavor and simplicity. It brings together hearty ingredients into a comforting, layered dish that caters to everyone at the table. We encourage you to try this recipe for your next family dinner; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that minimizes effort and maximizes taste. Share your delicious creations with us and let us know your favorite ways to customize this fantastic meal!