Cheesy Mexican Casserole

Cheesy Mexican Casserole offers a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional comfort food, combining layers of seasoned ground beef, tangy salsa, and creamy sour cream. Topped with a vibrant array of fresh vegetables, sliced black olives, and a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole promises a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and deliciously comforting.

Baked until bubbly and golden, each bite delivers a harmony of textures and bold Mexican-inspired flavors, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or casual gathering.

Cheesy Mexican Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

½ cup fresh chopped tomato

2 cups of salsa

1 can chili beans, drained

2 cups sour cream

1 can, 2 ounces, sliced black olives

½ cup green onion chopped

½ cup fresh tomato, chopped

3 cups tortilla chips, crushed

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350*

In a large skillet, crumble and brown the hamburger to cook it thoroughly.

Step 2:

Stir in the salsa, reduce the heat to a simmer and let simmer for 20 minutes

When the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the beans and heat through

Step 3:

Lightly spray a 9×13 baking pan

Spread the crushed chips in an even layer

Step 4:

Spoon the beef mixture over the top

Spread the sour cream over the beef

Step 5:

Sprinkle the olives, green onions and fresh chopped tomatoes over the top

Sprinkle the top completely with shredded cheddar cheese

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly

Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Can I use a different type of beans?

Absolutely! You can substitute chili beans with black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans depending on your preference.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to Step 5 (before baking), cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate.

Bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, Mexican rice, or even tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes well.

Let it cool completely, then tightly wrap portions in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I prevent the tortilla chips from getting soggy?

Crushing the tortilla chips and spreading them in an even layer at the bottom of the baking pan helps to create a barrier between the wet ingredients and the chips, preventing them from becoming overly soggy.

Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ground beef and use an additional can of beans or add extra vegetables.

You can also use a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh.

What type of salsa should I use?

You can use your favorite store-bought salsa, whether it’s mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference for spice level.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

To add more heat, consider using a spicier salsa, adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture before baking.