Mexican Food Casserole
A hearty Mexican casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, green chilies, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners and flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic salt in a large skillet with a small amount of oil.
- Add the diced Ro-Tel, chopped green chilies, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet and mix well.
- Layer corn tortillas and meat mixture in a greased pan, starting with tortillas, ending with the meat mixture in the top layer.
- Cover the layered casserole with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Cover the pan and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy diced tomatoes instead of regular Ro-Tel. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want a creamier texture, you could mix in some sour cream with the cream of mushroom soup. This dish is versatile, so feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican Food Casserole with a side of refried beans or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Beans Mexicana for an authentic touch. For added flavor, top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Food Casserole contains roughly 284 calories, with 7g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2146mg per serving (93% 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 and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, you can substitute them with flour tortillas or even use chips for a layered dip effect. Just be mindful that the texture might change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a nutritious vegetarian option. Add more vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture, making it a hearty meal without the meat.
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).