Make Ahead Mexican Layered Casserole
A hearty, layered Mexican casserole featuring seasoned ground meat, cheese, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- dash of garlic powder ⓘ
- 6 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped
- dash of cumin ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 medium-size can Ranch Style beans ⓘ
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken or mushroom soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat with chopped onion, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drain the excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Layer in an extra large Pyrex baking dish: first, half of the meat mixture.
- Next, place all 6 corn tortillas over the meat layer.
- Then, add the remaining half of the meat mixture mixed with the canned Ranch Style beans.
- Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the meat and beans layer.
- Spread Ro-Tel tomatoes evenly over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top of the tomatoes.
- Finally, spread the cream of chicken or mushroom soup over the cheese layer.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Uncover the casserole and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef and ground turkey. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. You can also adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or using a spicier chili powder. This casserole can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican Layered Casserole with a side of fresh cilantro and avocado slices for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Cilantro Soup or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider offering tortilla chips and salsa on the side, making it a festive addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make Ahead Mexican Layered Casserole contains roughly 1133 calories, with 45g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (118% of the Daily Value), and protein (90% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2058mg per serving (89% 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 use other types of cheese in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack and Cheddar with other cheeses such as Pepper Jack for a spicier kick or a Mexican blend cheese for added flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well for that perfect gooey texture.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
What can I serve with this casserole?
How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller portion?
To make a smaller portion, you can halve the recipe and use an 8x8 baking dish instead. Keep the same layer structure and baking time, but start checking for doneness a bit earlier, as smaller portions may cook faster.
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).