Spicy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Welcome to a fiesta of flavors with this mouthwatering Mexican Casserole Ground Beef recipe! Packed with lean ground beef, zesty Ranch Style beans, and a medley of Tex Mex goodness, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser for any occasion. From potlucks to family dinners, the bold flavors and creamy textures in this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I first discovered this beloved recipe while searching for a dish that would satisfy a hungry crowd, and it has since become a staple at all our celebrations. The oozy cheese topping that crisps up in the oven adds just the right amount of indulgence to this comforting casserole. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, the cheesy goodness and vibrant flavors of this Mexican Casserole Ground Beef are guaranteed to make it a hit with your loved ones.

For a twist on tradition, feel free to swap the beef for lean ground chicken or turkey, and get creative with cheese options like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a melty finish. And don’t forget to top off your serving with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of salsa, and maybe even some pickled jalapenos for an extra kick. Get ready to savor the best of Tex Mex comfort food with this delicious and satisfying casserole!

Quick Benefits

• Crowd-pleaser for potlucks or family dinners
• Cheesy topping crisps up in the oven for added texture
• Can be customized with different protein options like chicken or turkey
• Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

• This Mexican casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks or family dinners, due to its bold flavors and creamy textures that everyone loves.
• The oozy, crispy cheese topping is a highlight of this dish that will keep you coming back for more.
• The recipe is versatile, allowing for variations such as using different types of meat like chicken or turkey, and cheese like Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
• Leftovers of this casserole keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, with flavors intensifying and chips softening for a delicious reheated meal.
• The Tex-Mex inspired flavors of this casserole bring together the best of Mexican and American cuisines, making it a comforting and hearty dish.
• You can customize this dish with various toppings like sour cream, salsa, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or pickled jalapenos to suit your taste preferences.
• The option to assemble and freeze the casserole before baking provides convenience for meal prep or make-ahead dishes.
• Serving suggestions like pairing the casserole with a green salad, guacamole, or Spanish rice create a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.

Ingredients for Spicy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Main components

• 1 can (approx. 305 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 450 g lean ground beef
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 package (about 30 g) taco seasoning
• 120 ml water
• 1 can (approx. 284 g) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 bag (280-340 g) tortilla chips, crushed (not all may be used as needed)
• 1 can (approx. 425 g) Ranch Style beans
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

For serving

• Sour cream, as desired
• Salsa, as desired

Pro Tips for Spicy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Pro tips for making this Mexican Casserole Ground Beef: For a flavor boost, use fresh cheese and onions. The quality difference will be noticeable in the final dish. To make it a chicken version, swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or lean ground turkey. Cream of mushroom soup can be used instead of cream of chicken, and Monterey Jack cheese is a great alternative to cheddar for a melty finish. To add extra heat, sprinkle pickled jalapenos before baking.

To keep leftovers fresh, cool the casserole completely and then store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop over time, and the chips will soften slightly. For a fun twist, add a top layer of crushed tortilla chips just before serving for extra crunch. This casserole can also be assembled and frozen before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal. Serve with sour cream, salsa, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices for a complete and customizable Tex-Mex experience!

How to Make Spicy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare oven and casserole dish

Preheat oven to 165°C and lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook beef mixture

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Combine filling ingredients

Combine Ranch Style beans, Ro-Tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water in the skillet. Stir and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes until well combined.

Step 4: Layer casserole

Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer in the baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture and half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef, and cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Place aluminum foil over the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Take out of the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Serve individual portions with a dollop of sour cream and salsa to personal preference.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Mexican casserole, allow it to cool completely before tightly covering it with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. The casserole can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. While the chips may soften slightly, the flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious. Reheat individual portions covered in the oven or use a microwave for a quick lunch option.

For those looking to make variations of this casserole, consider using lean ground chicken or turkey instead of beef while maintaining the robust flavor of the dish. Additionally, alternative cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend can be used for a different melty finish. For an extra crunch, consider adding a top layer of chips just before serving or opt for thicker chips that hold up well during baking. The assembled casserole can also be frozen before baking for future meals, just remember to thaw it overnight before baking for the best results. Serve the casserole with a side of simple green salad, guacamole, or Spanish rice for a well-rounded meal with balanced flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Ranch Style beans are unavailable, substitute with canned pinto or black beans and add extra taco seasoning for a similar flavor profile. To make a chicken version, swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or lean ground turkey. Additionally, cream of mushroom soup can be used instead of cream of chicken soup if needed, and Monterey Jack cheese is a good alternative to cheddar for a creamier finish.

For those looking to lighten up the dish, lean ground chicken or turkey can be used in place of beef without compromising flavor. Consider using a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for a different taste and texture in the casserole. If you prefer extra crunch, layer additional crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving, or opt for thicker chips that hold up well during baking. Finally, for make-ahead convenience, assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking, then thaw overnight and bake as directed for a quick meal option.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving this Mexican casserole, try layering individual portions in small mason jars or ramekins. This not only makes for a cute presentation but also allows for easy portion control and grab-and-go convenience for gatherings or potlucks. Top each jar with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of salsa, and some fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Another creative idea is to turn this Mexican casserole into a nacho bar for your next party. Set out trays of tortilla chips, bowls of the casserole mixture, and an array of toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced olives, pickled jalapenos, shredded lettuce, and avocado slices. Let guests build their own loaded nachos with their favorite toppings for a customizable and interactive dining experience that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

FAQs for Spicy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef in this Mexican casserole?

Yes, lean ground chicken or turkey can be used instead of beef while maintaining robust flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What are some good alternatives to cheddar cheese for this casserole?

Cheddar melts well and adds sharpness, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend are great alternatives.

How can I add extra crunch to the casserole?

For extra crunch, add a top layer of chips just before serving or use thicker chips that hold up during baking.

Can I freeze this Mexican casserole before baking?

Yes, the casserole can be assembled and frozen before baking. Thaw overnight, then bake as usual for best results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Mexican Casserole Ground Beef recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the comforting flavors of Tex Mex cuisine in a cheesy, satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a hearty meal, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and adaptations to suit your taste preferences. From swapping out the protein to experimenting with different cheeses and adding extra crunch, this recipe is versatile and can easily be tailored to your liking. So gather your loved ones around the table, serve up generous portions of this delicious casserole, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of Mexican Casserole Ground Beef.

Spicy Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

“An irresistible Mexican casserole with layers of bold flavors, creamy textures, and oozy cheese, perfect for potlucks or family dinners that disappear every time!”

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Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time50 Minutes

CuisineMexican-inspired

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings

Ingredients

Main components

• 1 can (approx. 305 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 450 g lean ground beef
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 package (about 30 g) taco seasoning
• 120 ml water
• 1 can (approx. 284 g) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 bag (280-340 g) tortilla chips, crushed (not all may be used as needed)
• 1 can (approx. 425 g) Ranch Style beans
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

For serving

• Sour cream, as desired
• Salsa, as desired

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and casserole dish: Preheat oven to 165°C and lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.
2. Cook beef mixture: Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain excess fat if needed.
3. Combine filling ingredients: Combine Ranch Style beans, Ro-Tel tomatoes, chopped onion, taco seasoning, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water in the skillet. Stir and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes until well combined.
4. Layer casserole: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer in the baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture and half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef, and cheese.
5. Bake: Place aluminum foil over the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling.
6. Rest and serve: Take out of the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Serve individual portions with a dollop of sour cream and salsa to personal preference.