Mexican Message
A hearty Mexican casserole featuring seasoned ground meat, cheesy layers, and flavorful enchilada sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet; drain the grease.
- Mix the Mexicorn, cream of mushroom, and cream of chicken soups together in a bowl.
- In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, place a layer of corn tortillas at the bottom.
- Spread the cooked ground meat over the tortillas.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the meat layer.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Spread the soup mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Add the remaining grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot, accompanied by chips or your favorite sides.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the ground meat with taco seasoning or garlic powder. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, try using black beans or lentils in place of meat. Make sure to spread the soup mixture evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful, similar to the method in B J'S Taco Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Message casserole pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or a fresh green salad. You might also serve it alongside Mexican Corn Soup for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, top individual servings with sour cream, jalapeños, or guacamole. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will keep the texture crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Message contains roughly 887 calories, with 65g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (129% of the Daily Value), iron (82% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1651mg per serving (72% 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 it as instructed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
Can I freeze the Mexican Message casserole?
Absolutely! After assembling, cover tightly and freeze it before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.
What can I serve with the Mexican Message casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple avocado salad. You can also serve it with additional enchilada sauce for drizzling on top, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal.
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).