Easy Layered Mexican Casserole
A hearty layered Mexican casserole featuring ground beef, beans, cheese, and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners and those craving bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 10 x 10-inch casserole dish, line the bottom with ground beef.
- Layer corn tortillas over the beef.
- Spread Ranch Style beans over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Add another layer of corn tortillas.
- Spread cream of chicken soup evenly over the tortillas.
- Top with Ro-Tel tomatoes.
- Take a knife and poke in several places to release steam.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Serve with your favorite salad and warm buttermilk flour tortillas.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, season the ground beef with taco seasoning or garlic powder. You can substitute the Ranch Style beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes. Make sure to let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Layered Mexican Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or Mexican-style rice for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it alongside warm buttermilk flour tortillas. You can also top individual servings with avocado slices, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. Explore more delicious Mexican recipes for further inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Layered Mexican Casserole contains roughly 763 calories, with 43g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (86% of the Daily Value), calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1519mg per serving (66% 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. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for lean ground beef, making the dish lighter while still delicious. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or crumbled tofu in place of meat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat to the casserole, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or use a spicy variety of Ro-Tel tomatoes. Additionally, sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the beef mixture will elevate the spice level.
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).