Name: Mexican Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 cups jarred salsa; 1 (16-oz) can chili beans, drained; 3 cups crushed tortilla chips; 2 cups sour cream; 1 (2-oz) can sliced black olives, drained; ½ cup chopped green onion; ½ cup chopped fresh tomato; 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

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I love how this Mexican casserole layers hearty seasoned beef, beans, tortilla chips, creamy sour cream, fresh veggies, and melted cheese into one cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll tell you why this recipe is a keeper: it’s simple, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping. I enjoy the combination of layers—crunchy chips, creamy beans, savory meat, and gooey cheese, all in just one pan. It bakes up in about 30 minutes and has become a favorite due to its flavor and versatility.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef
2 cups jarred salsa
1 (16-oz) can chili beans, drained
3 cups crushed tortilla chips
2 cups sour cream
1 (2-oz) can sliced black olives, drained
½ cup chopped green onion
½ cup chopped fresh tomato
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

directions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly spray a 9×13" baking dish.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown beef until crumbly (8–10 minutes).
Stir in salsa, simmer until thickened (about 20 minutes), then mix in drained beans until heated through.
Layer crushed tortilla chips in the dish, then spoon beef-bean mixture over.
Spread sour cream on top, then sprinkle olives, green onion, and tomatoes.
Cover with shredded cheese and bake about 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This casserole makes about 6 servings and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes total (15 minutes prep + 1 hour bake).

Variations

I sometimes swap ground turkey for beef for a leaner dish.
Adding a packet of taco seasoning to the meat elevates the flavor.
Some versions include Mexican rice or corn layer for heartier texture.
For a vegetarian twist, I replace meat with refried beans or black beans.
I can also use broken taco shells in place of chips for crunch.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave single servings or bake the whole dish at 350 °F until heated (about 15–20 minutes). This casserole also freezes beautifully—I wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and bake as usual.

FAQs

How do I make it ahead of time?

I’ll layer everything in the dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready, I bake it for the full time, adding a few extra minutes if it’s straight from the fridge.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—I substitute the tortilla chips with gluten-free chips, and ensure the salsa and beans are certified gluten-free.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! I prefer it for a lighter version. Many people also use shredded chicken or omit meat altogether.

What about adding vegetables?

I often stir in a can of corn or chopped bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. Some folks also add green chilies or zucchini.

How can I make it spicier?

To turn up the heat, I mix in a can of diced green chilies, use hot salsa, or add jalapeños and extra taco seasoning.

Conclusion

This Mexican casserole is a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s easy to prep, forgiving with substitutions, and loved by all for its balanced layers of flavor and texture. I hope you enjoy making (and tweaking) it as much as I do—I know it will become a staple in your rotation!

Mexican Casserole

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Mexican casserole layers seasoned ground beef, beans, tortilla chips, sour cream, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese into a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and lightly spray a 9×13" baking dish.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until crumbly, about 8–10 minutes.
Stir in the salsa and simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes.
Mix in the drained chili beans and cook until heated through.
Layer the crushed tortilla chips in the prepared baking dish.
Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the chips.
Spread the sour cream evenly on top.
Sprinkle with black olives, green onions, and chopped tomatoes.
Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.