Ground Beef Mexican Casserole
A hearty Mexican casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, cheesy topping, crunchy corn chips, and flavorful beans and sauces, perfect for satisfying family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet, stirring until crumbly; drain excess fat.
- Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with half of the corn chips.
- Stir Ranch Style beans and enchilada sauce into the ground beef mixture.
- Pour half of the beef mixture over the corn chips in the dish.
- Mix mushroom soup and picante sauce in a bowl.
- Pour the soup and picante sauce mixture over the beef layer.
- Layer remaining corn chips over the soup mixture.
- Add remaining ground beef mixture over the chips.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Bake at 300°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly spicier dish, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the ground beef mixture. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use black beans instead of Ranch Style beans for a different flavor profile. For added crunch, try using tortilla strips instead of corn chips.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef Mexican Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some homemade guacamole for added creaminess. Serve it alongside warm tortillas or rice to complete the meal. For a fun twist, offer toppings like sour cream or diced avocado, which complement these Mexican recipes well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts again for that gooey texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef Mexican Casserole contains roughly 809 calories, with 21g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1600mg per serving (70% 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 up to the baking stage and cover it tightly with foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can save you time on busy days.
Can I freeze the Ground Beef Mexican Casserole?
Absolutely! After assembling the casserole, cover it well with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. For a festive touch, serve with chips and salsa or a refreshing beverage like horchata or a margarita.
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).