Mexican Casserole

Mexican Casserole

Mexican Casserole
Easy 30-Minute Mexican Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 (15-oz) can Ranch Style beans
1 (10-12 oz) bag tortilla chips, crushed (not the whole bag used)
1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
½ cup water
Sour cream and salsa for serving

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. In a large skillet, brown meat and drain off fat.
Stir in beans, tomatoes, onion, taco seasoning, soup, and water. Simmer over medium-low heat until well combined and heated through.
Grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Layer crushed tortilla chips, followed by the meat/bean mixture, then half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat layers.
Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Remove foil and broil just until the cheese starts to brown.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream and salsa.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

🌮 20 Tips for Making the Perfect Mexican Casserole 🍲

1. Use Quality Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease in the casserole.
2. Drain Fat: After browning the beef, be sure to drain the fat to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
3. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Spices: Add extra cumin, paprika, or chili powder for more depth of flavor alongside the taco seasoning.
4. Customize the Heat Level: Choose mild, medium, or hot Rotel tomatoes depending on your preferred spice level.
5. Sauté Onions First: For a richer flavor, sauté the onions before adding them to the casserole.
6. Add Fresh Vegetables: Consider adding diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
7. Use Different Beans: Swap Ranch Style beans with black beans or pinto beans to suit your taste.
8. Layer Cheese Strategically: Distribute the cheese evenly between layers for a gooey, cheesy result.
9. Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a more complex flavor.
10. Don’t Over-Crush Tortilla Chips: Leave some larger pieces of chips for a nice crunch in the casserole.
11. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or green onions on top after baking for a burst of freshness.
12. Make it Creamier: Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese to the meat mixture for a creamier texture.
13. Keep It Saucy: Add a bit more water or broth if the mixture seems too dry before baking.
14. Try a Crispy Top: Sprinkle extra tortilla chips on top before broiling for a crispy finish.
15. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
16. Serve with Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like guacamole, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and chopped lettuce to customize each serving.
17. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
18. Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble, then freeze before baking. Thaw and bake when ready.
19. Use a Glass Dish: A glass casserole dish ensures even cooking and makes it easy to monitor the layers.
20. Leftovers are Better: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.

With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful, and perfectly layered Mexican casserole ready in just 30 minutes! 🌶️🧀