Description
Spicy Mexican casserole brings comfort and zest to dinner tables with layers of hearty ingredients and bold flavors. Home cooks can savor this delightful one-dish meal that combines rich textures and authentic southwestern seasonings, promising a satisfying culinary experience you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Beans and Vegetables:
- 1 can ranch style beans
- 1 can ro-tel tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (10-12 ounces) bag tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup water
Serving Suggestions:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 325F (165C), preparing a perfect environment for melding flavors.
- In a large skillet, transform ground beef into a rich, browned foundation, carefully draining excess grease.
- Introduce Ranch Style beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, diced onion, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water to the beef. Allow the mixture to simmer and harmonize over medium-low heat until thoroughly heated.
- Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a crisp base layer of crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the dish.
- Lavish the first half of the robust meat and bean mixture over the chip foundation.
- Cascade a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese across the meat layer.
- Repeat the layering process: remaining chips, meat mixture, and a final crown of cheese.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, then slide into the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the edges bubble and cheese melts completely.
- Once removed, allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes, letting flavors settle and intensify.
- Serve with a dollop of cool sour cream and vibrant salsa as the perfect finishing touches.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that cuts down on saturated fat.
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy Ro-tel tomatoes and adjusting taco seasoning intensity to suit personal taste preferences.
- Layer tortilla chips right before baking to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture, ensuring a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg