Cheesy Mexican Casserole
A cheesy Mexican casserole with flavorful ground beef, spicy chili beans, and melted cheddar, topped with crispy chips and jalapenos for a satisfying comfort dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 teaspoon flour ⓘ
- 4 teaspoon chili powder or less ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can chili beans ⓘ
- 1 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese ⓘ
- 7 oz. tortilla chips ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon jalapeno peppers ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and drain ground chuck.
- Add chopped onion, salt, flour, chili powder, tomato sauce, chili beans, evaporated milk, cream cheese, and jalapeno peppers to the meat.
- Cook until the cream cheese melts and mixture is heated through.
- Crush tortilla chips and cover the bottom of the casserole dish with them.
- Pour the meat mixture over the crushed chips.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with additional chips and jalapeno peppers before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more jalapeno peppers or use spicy chili powder. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use black beans instead of chili beans for a different texture. If you need a gluten-free version, replace the flour with cornstarch. This casserole can be prepped ahead and baked when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy Mexican casserole with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the 15 Minute Mexicali Supper for a fun dinner spread. Add some sour cream on top for extra creaminess, or serve with a side of Mexican rice for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker reheating option, but the oven will help keep the tortilla chips crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Mexican Casserole contains roughly 1039 calories, with 23g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% 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 the layers but avoid baking until you're ready to serve. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready, just pop it in the oven for the baking time indicated in the recipe.
What can I replace the cream cheese with?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for cream cheese. They will add creaminess while reducing calories. Just make sure to stir them in at the end to avoid curdling.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
To make this casserole vegetarian, replace the ground chuck with a meat substitute such as lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers and corn for added flavor and texture.
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).