Craving a taste of Mexico without spending hours in the kitchen? This easy Mexican casserole recipe is your answer for a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Using simple, readily available ingredients, this recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Forget complicated cooking – this casserole is all about layering deliciousness for a truly effortless dinner.
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Mexican Casserole: Your Go-To Easy Mexican Recipe
This Mexican casserole is more than just easy Mexican food; it’s a comforting and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s built with layers of seasoned ground beef, savory salsa, hearty beans, and melted cheese, all topped with crunchy tortilla chips and cool sour cream. It’s the kind of simple Mexican recipe that becomes a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients for Your Easy Mexican Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and easy Mexican casserole:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef forms the hearty base of this casserole. Ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter option.
- Salsa: 1 jar of your favorite store-bought salsa. For an extra homemade touch, consider using your own fresh salsa recipe.
- Chili Beans: 1 can (15 ounces) of chili beans adds a robust flavor and texture.
- Black Olives: 1 can (2.25 ounces) of sliced black olives provides a salty and briny counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
- Tortilla Chips: 1 bag (10 ounces) of tortilla chips, crushed, for a delightful crispy layer.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup of sour cream adds a creamy and tangy coolness.
- Green Onions: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for a fresh, oniony bite.
- Tomato: 1 medium tomato, diced, for a juicy and vibrant topping.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, the perfect melty finish.
- Cooking Spray: For greasing the baking dish and ensuring easy cleanup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making this Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe
This easy Mexican casserole recipe comes together in just a few simple steps:
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Prep and Preheat: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and crumbly. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer with Salsa and Beans: Stir the salsa into the skillet with the browned beef. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 20 minutes. Stir in the chili beans and cook until everything is heated through.
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Layer the Casserole: Spread the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the tortilla chips. Spread the sour cream over the beef mixture, creating a smooth layer. Sprinkle the sliced black olives, green onions, and diced tomatoes evenly over the sour cream. Finally, generously cover the entire casserole with the shredded Cheddar cheese.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy Your Easy Mexican Meal! Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Scoop out generous portions and get ready to enjoy this deliciously easy Mexican food recipe.
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Tips for the Best Easy Mexican Casserole
- Spice it Up: For extra flavor, try adding a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef while cooking. Homemade taco seasoning is even better!
- Customize Your Protein: Shredded chicken or ground turkey work wonderfully as substitutes for ground beef.
- Add More Veggies: Include diced bell peppers, onions, or corn to the beef mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese Lovers Rejoice: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a varied cheese flavor.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
What to Serve with Mexican Casserole
This Mexican casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your easy Mexican food experience with some tasty side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A light and refreshing side that complements the richness of the casserole.
- Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote): Grilled or roasted corn slathered in creamy, spicy goodness.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
- Margaritas: No Mexican feast is complete without a classic margarita!
Storing and Freezing Your Mexican Casserole
Storing Leftovers: Store leftover Mexican casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions: Yes, you can freeze Mexican casserole! For best results, bake it in a foil pan if you plan to freeze it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Community Love for This Easy Mexican Casserole
This recipe is a hit with home cooks! Many reviewers praise how easy and flavorful it is, making it a perfect weeknight meal. People love how customizable it is, easily adapting it to their family’s preferences with different proteins, spices, and vegetables. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to your collection of Easy Mexican Food Recipes.
Enjoy making and sharing this incredibly easy Mexican casserole recipe! It’s a fantastic way to bring the taste of Mexico to your table with minimal effort.
