Easy Mexican Casserole(Can Be Made Ahead Of Time)
A flavorful and comforting Mexican casserole layered with spinach, ground beef, cheese, and a creamy tomato mixture. Perfect for make-ahead family dinners or gatherings, it combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture, making it a crowd-pleasing and versatile dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen spinach ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes
- 2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans mushroom soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) container dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups (10 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with Pam or cooking spray.
- Cook the frozen spinach according to package directions; drain well.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain off excess fat from the cooked meat mixture.
- Add the cooked spinach and canned tomatoes to the meat mixture; stir well.
- In a bowl, combine the mushroom soup, sour cream, and garlic salt; set aside.
- Layer 6 corn tortillas in the prepared baking pan.
- Spread half of the meat and spinach mixture over the tortillas.
- Pour half of the soup and sour cream mixture over the layer.
- Sprinkle with 1 1/4 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, meat mixture, soup mixture, and cheese.
- Pour melted butter over the top layer of cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans. You can also use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to lighten the dish. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken or turkey can be used instead of beef. Consider adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrients and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Mexican Casserole pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh Taco Tossed Salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side for added flavor. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can easily be made ahead of time.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Mexican Casserole(Can Be Made Ahead Of Time) contains roughly 1341 calories, with 37g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (74% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 657mg per serving (29% 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. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
Can I freeze the Mexican casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual.
What can I substitute for the mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version with cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce. For a lighter option, consider using a blend of Greek yogurt and vegetable broth seasoned with herbs to mimic the creaminess of the soup.
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).