Easy & Delicious Mexican Casserole: Your Weeknight Dinner Savior!

Are you craving the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This easy Mexican casserole recipe is your answer. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly and is packed with delicious ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a simple and satisfying meal. This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level and ingredients to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

## Why You’ll Love This Mexican Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep and cook time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the ingredients and spice level to suit your preferences.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable and readily available ingredients.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with family and friends.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Tastes even better the next day!
* **One-Dish Meal:** Everything you need for a complete meal in one convenient casserole dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Ground Beef (or Turkey):** 1 pound. Lean ground beef is a classic choice, but ground turkey works just as well for a healthier option. You can even use ground chicken or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Adds flavor and aroma to the dish.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1, chopped (any color). Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch. Red, green, or yellow bell peppers all work well. Feel free to use a combination for visual appeal.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Essential for adding that signature savory flavor.
* **Taco Seasoning:** 1 packet (or 2-3 tablespoons homemade). Use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning, or make your own to control the sodium and spice levels. A homemade blend typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained. Provides moisture and acidity to the casserole. You can use regular diced tomatoes or diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick.
* **Corn:** 1 (15 ounce) can, drained. Adds sweetness and texture. You can use regular canned corn or frozen corn (thawed).
* **Black Beans:** 1 (15 ounce) can, rinsed and drained. Adds protein and fiber. Pinto beans or kidney beans can be substituted if you prefer.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can. Creates a creamy and comforting base for the casserole. You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup if you have dietary restrictions, a homemade white sauce can work too. This can also be omitted, and sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can be used in its place for a lighter option.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup. Adds tanginess and richness. Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups. Use your favorite type of cheddar cheese, or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack. Mexican blend cheese is also a great option.
* **Tortilla Chips:** 6-8 ounces, crushed. Provides a crunchy topping.
* **Optional Toppings:** Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped green onions, cilantro, jalapenos.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this delicious Mexican casserole!

**Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan.

**Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef**

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 4: Season the Meat Mixture**

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (undrained), corn (drained), and black beans (rinsed and drained) into the skillet. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

**Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Mixture**

In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Mix well until smooth. This will be the creamy binder that holds the casserole together.

**Step 6: Assemble the Casserole**

Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will create a crispy base for the casserole.

Next, spread the meat mixture evenly over the tortilla chips.

Pour the creamy soup mixture over the meat mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy layer.

Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

**Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve**

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to set up slightly.

**Step 9: Add Toppings (Optional)**

Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped green onions, cilantro, and jalapenos. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicier kick. You can also use diced tomatoes with green chilies.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat substitute or simply use more beans and vegetables.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure that your taco seasoning and cream of chicken soup are also gluten-free.
* **Layer it differently:** Create multiple layers of chips, meat mixture, and cheese for a more decadent casserole.
* **Use Leftover Cooked Chicken:** Shredded cooked chicken is an excellent substitute for ground beef.
* **Try Corn Tortillas:** Instead of tortilla chips, you can use corn tortillas cut into wedges and lightly fried for a different texture.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, combine all the ingredients (except the tortilla chips and cheese) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Top with cheese and tortilla chips during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

## Serving Suggestions

This Mexican casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
* **Offer a variety of toppings:** Set out bowls of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped green onions, cilantro, and jalapenos so everyone can customize their serving.
* **Serve with rice and beans:** If you want a heartier meal, serve the casserole with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
* **Make it a taco night:** Serve the casserole with warm tortillas and let everyone assemble their own tacos.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Mexican casserole is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Mexican casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

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## Enjoy!

This easy Mexican casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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