Mexican Casserole(Microwave)
A flavorful microwave Mexican casserole layered with seasoned beef, cheese, sour cream, and crunchy corn chips, perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 frozen flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 envelope (1 1/4 oz.) taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 c. broken corn chips ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Place frozen tortillas between paper towels and microwave at high for 30 to 60 seconds until soft.
- Separate the tortillas and set aside.
- Crumble ground beef into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Add chopped green pepper and chopped onion to the beef.
- Microwave at high for 3 to 5 minutes until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender-crisp; stir and drain excess liquid.
- Mix in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and chili powder; microwave on medium for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
- In a small bowl, blend sour cream, eggs, and pepper together.
- Place 2 tortillas on the bottom of a 12 x 8-inch dish.
- Top with half of the meat mixture, then half of the sour cream mixture.
- Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and sour cream mixture.
- Sprinkle with broken corn chips and shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Microwave on medium for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese melts.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or rotisserie chicken instead of raw beef. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. Adding a bit of corn or diced tomatoes can enhance the flavor and texture. To save time, consider using store-bought taco seasoning or a mix of spices from your pantry. This dish is also great for using leftovers, so feel free to get creative!
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or guacamole for added creaminess. You might also serve it with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. For a fun twist, top with sliced jalapeños or fresh cilantro before serving. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or salsa to each plate for extra flavor. It's perfect for gatherings or casual family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mexican casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions, cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Casserole(Microwave) contains roughly 906 calories, with 20g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1096mg per serving (48% 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. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove the wrap and microwave as directed. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for a convenient meal option!
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps. Additionally, you can layer the casserole with rice instead of tortillas for a different texture. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary with different ingredients.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the meat mixture. You could also use a spicier taco seasoning or add extra chili powder. Serving with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side will also amp up the flavor for those who enjoy a kick!
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).