Craving a taste of Mexico without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this incredibly easy and flavorful Mexican Casserole recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together, this dish combines simple ingredients into a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal. If you’re searching for delicious Mexican Dishes Recipes that are both quick and satisfying, this casserole is a must-try.
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This Mexican Casserole recipe utilizes convenient pantry staples like jarred salsa and canned beans, making it a breeze to prepare. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine in a hearty and satisfying casserole form. Let’s dive into how to create this weeknight dinner winner.
Mexican Casserole Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering Mexican Casserole. These simple ingredients are readily available, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter option)
- 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
How to Make Mexican Casserole
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to bake your own delicious Mexican Casserole. This recipe is designed for simplicity, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
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Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Cook 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 cooked ground beef. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until some of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 20 minutes. Then, 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 across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the flavorful beef mixture over the tortilla chips. Next, spread the sour cream over the beef layer. Sprinkle the black olives, green onions, and diced tomatoes on top of 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 and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy! Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Scoop out a generous portion and get ready to enjoy the delicious flavors of your homemade Mexican Casserole!
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Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spice it Up: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef while cooking. You can also incorporate a can of diced green chilies for a mild heat.
- Protein Swap: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken for the ground beef. Both work wonderfully in this casserole.
- Cheese Lovers Rejoice: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all be delicious alternatives to Cheddar.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian ground beef substitute to create a vegetarian Mexican casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with some tasty side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A refreshing and flavorful side that complements the richness of the casserole.
- Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote): Grilled corn slathered in creamy, cheesy goodness for a truly authentic Mexican feast.
- A Simple Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a nice contrast to the hearty casserole.
- Margaritas: For a festive touch, pair your Mexican Casserole with classic margaritas.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Storage: Store leftover Mexican Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Mexican Casserole freezes beautifully! Bake it in a foil pan if you plan to freeze it. Once cooled completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy creating this effortless and satisfying Mexican Casserole! It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of mexican dishes recipes, perfect for any occasion.
