Richard'S Mexican Casserole
A hearty Mexican casserole layered with seasoned meat, creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook hamburger meat and chopped onion until browned.
- Add green pepper, cream of mushroom soup, Pet milk, and Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies.
- Mix well and let simmer for 1 hour, adding water if sauce becomes too thick.
- Line a baking dish with soft corn tortillas.
- Pour a layer of meat sauce over the tortillas.
- Repeat layers with tortillas and sauce until ingredients are used.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding cumin or chili powder to the meat mixture. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms and cream can work well. You can also substitute with cream of chicken soup for a different taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, use spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes or add jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican Black-Eyed Peas for added protein and flavor. Consider serving with a fresh green salad or some guacamole. For a complete meal, top with sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving. You can also enjoy this dish alongside Easy Tamales for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Freezing is also an option; just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Richard'S Mexican Casserole contains roughly 407 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use ground turkey instead of hamburger meat?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for hamburger meat. It will make the dish leaner while still keeping it flavorful. Just ensure you season it well, as turkey can be milder in taste. Cook it until browned, similar to the beef, before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
What kind of cheese can I use instead of Cheddar?
If you want to switch up the cheese, Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese will work wonderfully in this casserole. These cheeses melt nicely and complement the other flavors. You could also try pepper jack for an extra kick of spice.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
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).