Mexican Casserole With Beans
A hearty Mexican casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and crispy taco shells, baked to creamy perfection, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and drain off the fat.
- Line the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan with half of the broken taco shells.
- Season the cooked hamburger with salt, pepper, garlic salt, and chili powder to your taste.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped onion over the seasoned meat.
- Pour one can of pork and beans over the onion layer.
- Place half of the Velveeta cheese over the pork and beans.
- Make another layer starting with the remaining taco shells.
- Repeat with the remaining hamburger, onion, pork and beans, and cheese.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup and Ro-Tel tomatoes together.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layered casserole.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. You can also substitute the Velveeta cheese with a shredded cheese blend for a different flavor profile. If you prefer more spice, add diced jalapeños or use a spicy cream of chicken soup. Make sure to taste and adjust seasonings as you layer for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some homemade guacamole for added flavor. Serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast, or alongside Spanish rice for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider making Chicken Tortilla Super Bowl Stacks as an alternative dish on game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Casserole With Beans contains roughly 1079 calories, with 9g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1347mg per serving (59% 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 assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the Mexican casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.
What can I use instead of pork and beans?
If you prefer not to use pork and beans, you can substitute them with black beans or pinto beans. Just rinse and drain them before layering. This will still give you that hearty texture and flavor while altering the dish to your preference.
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).