If you’re in the mood for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner, look no further than this Throw-Together Mexican Casserole. This casserole combines all the best Mexican flavors—savory seasoned beef, gooey cheese, zesty salsa, and a crunchy layer of tortilla chips—all baked together in one dish. It’s a meal that comes together in no time and is sure to please everyone at the table.
What makes this casserole so special is how versatile and customizable it is. You can make it with ground beef, chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian version, and adjust the spices to your liking. It’s the perfect dinner for busy nights when you want something hearty, delicious, and fuss-free. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any) taste just as great the next day!
I first made this Throw-Together Mexican Casserole when I needed something quick but filling for a family dinner. I had a few pantry staples like ground beef, salsa, and cheese, so I threw them together into a casserole. It came out so flavorful and satisfying, and everyone loved it! Since then, this casserole has become a go-to for busy weeknights and casual get-togethers. It’s simple, comforting, and always a hit.
Why This Throw-Together Mexican Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite
- Quick and easy: With minimal prep and only 30 minutes of baking time, this casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of seasoned meat, salsa, cheese, and crunchy chips brings bold Mexican flavors to every bite.
- Customizable: You can make this casserole with ground beef, chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian version. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- One-pan meal: Everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Family-friendly: With its delicious layers and satisfying flavors, this casserole is sure to please everyone from kids to adults.
How to Make Throw-Together Mexican Casserole
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or beans) over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Season the meat: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through. Add the black beans if using.
- Layer the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer. Spoon the seasoned meat mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meat mixture.
- Top with chips: Top the cheese with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the shredded cheese.
- 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.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro.
Tips
- Make it spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
- Use homemade taco seasoning: For a healthier, more flavorful version, make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Add more veggies: You can add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
- Cheese options: Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for other varieties like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian version: Use black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of both in place of the meat. You can also use vegetarian crumbles or tofu for added texture.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free tortilla chips and double-check the taco seasoning for any gluten-containing ingredients.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and sour cream, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute for a vegan version.
- Low-Carb: For a low-carb version, swap the tortilla chips for crushed pork rinds or simply skip the chips and serve the casserole over a bed of lettuce.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower Fat: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for reduced-fat cheese or skip the cheese for a lighter version.
- More Veggies: Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added nutrients and fiber.
- Less Sodium: Use low-sodium taco seasoning and salsa to reduce the sodium content.
Closing
And there you have it! This Throw-Together Mexican Casserole is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. It’s quick to make, customizable, and always satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it at a casual get-together, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to let us know how your casserole turns out, and check out more of our easy, flavorful recipes for more dinner ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual. - Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works great in this casserole and is a leaner alternative to beef. - Can I add more cheese?
Yes, if you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese on top before baking or mix some into the meat mixture. - Can I use fresh salsa instead of jarred salsa?
Yes, fresh salsa works wonderfully in this casserole. Just make sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the meat mixture. - Can I make this vegetarian without the beans?
Yes! You can omit the beans and just use more veggies or extra cheese to make the casserole hearty and satisfying. - How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños or chili peppers to the meat mixture, or sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat. - Can I use other chips besides tortilla chips?
Yes! You can use any type of chips, such as nacho cheese chips, pita chips, or even crushed tortilla chips. - Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free chips and make sure your taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free for a completely gluten-free casserole. - How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly browned. If you’re unsure, check with a fork to make sure the casserole is heated through. - Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker, set it on low, and cook for 2-3 hours until heated through. Add the cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Throw-Together Mexican Casserole
4
30
minutes40
300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 lb 1 ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian version)
1 small 1 onion, chopped
1 packet 1 taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
1 cup 1 salsa
1 can 1 (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional, for added fiber)
2 cups 2 tortilla chips, crushed
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
1/2 cup 1/2 sour cream (optional, for serving)
1/4 cup 1/4 chopped green onions or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or beans) over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Season the meat: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through. Add the black beans if using.
- Layer the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer. Spoon the seasoned meat mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meat mixture.
- Top with chips: Top the cheese with the remaining crushed tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the shredded cheese.
- 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.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro.
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