Description: This vibrant and flavorful Mexican Fiesta Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a quick, easy, and satisfying meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, crushed tortilla chips, zesty Ro-tel tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a comforting, customizable, and utterly delicious way to bring the taste of Mexico to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef 🥩
- 1 can (15 ounces) Ranch Style beans 🥫
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed 🌽
- 1 can (10 ounces) Ro-tel tomatoes 🍅
- 1 onion, chopped 🧅
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 packet taco seasoning 🌮
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup 🥛🌿
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Ensuring even heating from the start is crucial for a well-baked casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s evenly browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Removing the grease is essential for preventing a greasy casserole and maintaining a better flavor profile. Nobody wants an oil slick in their dinner!
Step 3: Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Sautéing the onion not only enhances its flavor but also adds a subtle sweetness to the overall dish. This step is important for building depth of flavor.
Step 4: Season the Meat Mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning packet to the ground beef and onion mixture. Add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to help distribute the seasoning evenly. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together. The taco seasoning is the backbone of the Mexican flavor, so make sure it’s well incorporated. You can also adjust the amount of seasoning to your preferred level of spice.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the seasoned ground beef mixture, Ranch Style beans (undrained), Ro-tel tomatoes (undrained), and cream of chicken soup. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This is the foundation of your casserole, so make sure everything is well mixed. The Ranch Style beans add a hearty texture and flavor, while the Ro-tel tomatoes provide a zesty kick. The cream of chicken soup acts as a binder, holding the casserole together and adding a creamy richness.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and bean mixture over the tortilla chips. Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, then sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese. The tortilla chips provide a crunchy base and topping, while the cheddar cheese adds a melty, cheesy goodness. Don’t skimp on the cheese!
Step 7: Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The casserole is ready when the cheese is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Mexican Fiesta Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because of its simplicity, deliciousness, and versatility. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and basic ingredients. The combination of savory ground beef, hearty beans, zesty tomatoes, crunchy tortilla chips, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful experience that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients and customize the recipe to your liking. You can easily add other vegetables, different types of beans, or your favorite hot sauce to personalize the dish. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Simply assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. The comforting and familiar flavors of Mexican cuisine, combined with the ease of a casserole, make this dish a winner every time.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, straight from the oven.
- Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with a side of rice or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
- Make it a fiesta by adding a side of tortilla chips and your favorite Mexican dips.
- For a spicier kick, serve with a dollop of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This casserole also pairs well with a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer.
Tips:
- For a spicier casserole, use hot taco seasoning or add a chopped jalapeño to the ground beef mixture.
- To prevent the tortilla chips from getting soggy, you can lightly toast them in the oven before crushing them.
- If you don’t have Ranch Style beans, you can substitute with pinto beans or black beans.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- To make this casserole ahead of time, assemble it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled plant-based ground meat or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and zucchini.
- If you want a richer flavor, use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
- Make sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Don’t overbake the casserole, as this can dry it out.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving, may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Calories: 450-550 Protein: 25-35 grams Sodium: 800-1000 mg (This can vary greatly depending on the sodium content of the taco seasoning, beans, and Ro-tel tomatoes. Choose low-sodium options when possible.)
Conclusion:
The Mexican Fiesta Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation, customizable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta of flavors in every bite! This casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together over the love of good food. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make this casserole vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with crumbled plant-based ground meat, lentils, or a combination of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, zucchini, and black beans. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for added protein and texture. Ensure the taco seasoning you use is also vegetarian-friendly, as some may contain animal-derived ingredients.
Q2: Can I use different types of beans or cheese?
A: Yes, you can definitely customize the beans and cheese to your liking! If you don’t have Ranch Style beans on hand, you can substitute them with pinto beans, black beans, or even kidney beans. For the cheese, feel free to experiment with different varieties such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack (for a spicy kick), a Mexican cheese blend, or even a sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Q3: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: There are several ways to amp up the heat in this casserole. You can use a hotter taco seasoning blend, add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the ground beef mixture while it’s browning, stir in a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can also use a can of extra-hot Ro-tel tomatoes for an added kick.
Q4: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead of time! Simply assemble the casserole according to the instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q5: How do I prevent the tortilla chips from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the tortilla chips from becoming soggy, there are a few tricks you can try. First, make sure to use sturdy tortilla chips that can hold their shape well. You can also lightly toast the tortilla chips in a preheated oven for a few minutes before crushing them to give them a bit more crispness. Avoid adding too much liquid to the beef and bean mixture, and don’t assemble the casserole too far in advance. Finally, if you’re worried about sogginess, you can add a layer of refried beans between the beef mixture and the tortilla chips to act as a barrier.
