Mexican Layer Casserole
A flavorful Mexican layer casserole with seasoned beef, cheesy topping, and fresh toppings, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners craving bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans ⓘ
- 1 (11 1/2 oz.) package enchilada sauce mix ⓘ
- 7 cups tortilla chips
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef into a 2-quart glass bowl.
- Add chopped onion; microwave uncovered on high for 5 to 6 minutes or until meat is set; stir once.
- Stir to break meat into small pieces; drain excess fat.
- Stir in refried beans, tomato sauce, enchilada sauce mix, and water.
- Microwave uncovered on high for 6 to 7 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Stir once. Place tortilla chips in a 12 x 8-inch glass baking dish; crush slightly.
- Spoon hot meat mixture evenly onto chips.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese and sliced black olives.
- Microwave uncovered on high for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with shredded lettuce and chopped tomato before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use corn tortillas instead of tortilla chips for a different texture. If you prefer a spicier dish, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Remember to keep an eye on the microwave to prevent overcooking the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican Layer Casserole with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Susie'S Taco Salad for a complete meal. You can also garnish each serving with fresh cilantro or diced avocados for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes for a crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Layer Casserole contains roughly 430 calories, with 22g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 560mg per serving (24% 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 meat mixture and layer the casserole in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just microwave or bake until heated through.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you don't have refried beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans, just mash them slightly before adding to the mixture. For a lighter option, consider using hummus or a bean dip.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure that your tortilla chips and enchilada sauce mix are labeled gluten-free. You can also use corn tortillas instead of chips, layering them for a delicious alternative.
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).