7 Layer Mexican Casserole
A hearty layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tortillas, beans, and cheese, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners and Mexican flavor lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and drain the hamburger.
- Season with salt and pepper and place in an 8 x 12-inch casserole dish.
- Cut the tortillas into 2-inch pieces and place on top of the meat.
- Drain the beans and pour over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle with chopped onion and cover with grated cheese.
- Mix together the cream of chicken soup and tomatoes with chilies and heat.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with black beans or lentils. You can also use flour tortillas if corn tortillas are unavailable. Adding spices like cumin or chili powder can enhance the flavor. Consider using shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker assembly, similar to the New Mexican Chicken. Adjust the cheese type based on your preference, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole with a side of fresh guacamole or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs well with Mexican recipes like Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad or can be complemented with sour cream and salsa on the side for added flavor. Enjoy with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a light beer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes, checking for doneness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 7 Layer Mexican Casserole contains roughly 495 calories, with 13g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1204mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all layers, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, consider using a homemade white sauce or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk mixed with cornstarch for thickness. You can also use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile, which works well in this layered dish.
Can I freeze the 7 Layer Mexican Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through, or bake from frozen, adding additional time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).