Craving the vibrant flavors of Mexico but short on time? Dive into the world of easy Mexican Recipes with this incredibly simple and satisfying Mexican Casserole! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Using convenient ingredients like pre-made salsa and canned beans, you can have this cheesy, flavorful casserole on the table in under an hour. Get ready to experience a fiesta of flavors with minimal effort!
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Gather all ingredients.
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures your delicious mexican recipe casserole releases easily after baking.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and crumbly. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to keep your mexican recipe casserole lean and flavorful.
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Stir in your favorite salsa into the cooked beef. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. This simmering process is key to developing rich flavors in this mexican recipe. Then, stir in chili beans and cook until heated through.
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Now it’s time to layer your mexican recipe casserole! Spread crushed tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the flavorful beef mixture over the tortilla chips. Spread sour cream over the beef layer, then sprinkle with black olives, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes. Finally, generously cover the top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown. This should take about 30 minutes. The bubbly cheese is a visual cue that your mexican recipe is ready to enjoy!
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Let your mexican recipe casserole cool slightly before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!
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More About This Delicious Mexican Casserole Recipe
This easy Mexican casserole recipe is a weeknight dinner winner! It’s a fantastic introduction to simple mexican recipes and is endlessly adaptable to your family’s tastes. The combination of ground beef, salsa, beans, and cheese creates a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Mexican Casserole Ingredients: Your Shopping List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful mexican recipe at home:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef is the base of this hearty casserole. For a healthier twist in your mexican recipes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Salsa: 2 cups of your favorite store-bought salsa. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a restaurant-style salsa or even making your own homemade salsa for a truly authentic mexican recipe experience.
- Canned Chili Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can of chili beans adds heartiness and texture. You can also use black beans or pinto beans depending on your preference in mexican recipes.
- Canned Black Olives: 1 (2.25-ounce) can of sliced black olives provides a salty and briny counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
- Tortilla Chips: 6 ounces of crushed tortilla chips create a crispy base and add a satisfying crunch.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup of sour cream adds a cool and tangy creaminess. For a lighter option in your mexican recipes, you can use Greek yogurt.
- Green Onions: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Tomato: 1 medium tomato, diced, provides a juicy burst of freshness and color.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese for that classic cheesy topping that makes this mexican recipe irresistible. Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses would also work beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide: Mastering This Mexican Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make this delightful Mexican Casserole, a perfect addition to your collection of mexican recipes:
- Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned and drain any excess fat.
- Simmer with Salsa and Beans: Stir in salsa and simmer until liquid reduces, then add beans and heat through.
- Layer it Up: Layer crushed tortilla chips, beef mixture, sour cream, olives, green onions, tomatoes, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Recipe Tip: Boost the Flavor!
Want to add an extra kick to your mexican recipe? Try stirring in a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef while it cooks. For a homemade touch, check out our top-rated Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe to elevate your mexican recipes even further!
What to Serve Alongside Your Mexican Casserole
While this Mexican Casserole is a complete meal on its own, consider exploring a variety of mexican recipes for side dishes to create a full Mexican feast! For inspiration, browse our collection of Mexican Side Dishes. Classic pairings include:
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A refreshing and zesty side that complements the richness of the casserole. Try this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn slathered in creamy, spicy goodness. Explore this Elote recipe for an authentic touch to your mexican recipes repertoire.
- Classic Margarita: No Mexican meal is complete without a refreshing margarita! Whip up a Classic Margarita to complete your mexican recipes experience.
Storing and Freezing Your Mexican Casserole
Storage: Leftover Mexican casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Mexican casserole! For best results, bake it in a foil pan if you plan to freeze it. Cover tightly with storage wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Community Love for This Mexican Recipe
This mexican recipe is a hit with home cooks everywhere!
One Allrecipes community member raves, “This is absolutely delicious! I made it once exactly as is and the kids wanted it again the next day.”
Another reviewer notes, “Very tasty and flavorful. We added taco seasoning and a 6-ounce can of chopped green chiles to the meat/bean mixture for extra depth of flavor in this mexican recipe.”
Dean Gapp, a home cook on Allrecipes, shares, “I’ve made it twice, once with ground beef and the other with shredded chicken. Great easy dish! Endless possibilities for modifications to make it your own mexican recipe creation.”
This Mexican Casserole is a fantastic starting point for exploring the wonderful world of mexican recipes. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this dish and get creative with your own variations!
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
