Easy Mexican Casserole

Ingredients

10 to 12 ounce bag of Tortilla chips

1 pound lean ground beef

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can rotel tomatoes with chilis

1 small onion chopped

1 can cream of chicken soup

½ cup water

1 package taco seasoning

2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Sour cream and salsa for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325*

Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, drain off the grease

Add in the black beans, tomatoes, taco seasoning, the cream of chicken soup and the water.

Stir to combine and mix well

Simmer for 15 minutes to heat everything thoroughly

Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish

Layer the bottom with lightly crushed tortilla chips

Spoon half of the meat mixture over the chips

Sprinkle with half the cheese

Lay down another layer of the tortilla chips

Spoon the remaining meat and bean mixture over the chips

Sprinkle with the remaining shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cover with Aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly

Let sit on stove for 5 minutes before serving

Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 530 | TOTAL FAT: 20g | SATURATED FAT: 8g | CHOLESTEROL: 60mg | SODIUM: 1000mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 50g | FIBER: 7g | SUGAR: 3g | PROTEIN: 30

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer.

The important thing is to ensure that whatever meat you use is cooked thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.

What if I don’t have a can of Rotel tomatoes with chilis?

If you don’t have a can of Rotel, you can substitute it with a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of diced green chilies.

You could also use fresh diced tomatoes and a diced jalapeno for a fresh spin.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Cheddar cheese is recommended for this recipe due to its strong flavor and good melting properties.

However, you can use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Mexican blend cheeses.

Do I need to fully cook the ground beef before adding it to the casserole?

Yes, you should fully brown and cook the ground beef before mixing it with the other ingredients.

This ensures that the beef is fully cooked before baking the casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when it’s bubbly and the cheese on top is fully melted.

If you’d like a slightly browned top, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Are there vegetarian options for this casserole?

Yes, you can omit the ground meat altogether and add more beans or vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup if I’m looking for a non-dairy option?

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use a can of cream of mushroom soup or a non-dairy substitute like coconut milk or a creamy vegetable soup.

Can I make this casserole in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Just keep in mind that the baking time might need to be slightly extended if the casserole is cold when you put it in the oven.

Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! You can include diced bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini to add more color and nutrients to the casserole.

Are there gluten-free options for the tortilla chips?

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, look for certified gluten-free tortilla chips or consider using corn tortillas as a base layer.

What’s a good way to serve this casserole?

This casserole can be served on its own as a complete meal, or you can serve it with a side salad, Mexican rice, or even a simple avocado and tomato salsa.

Can I customize the level of spiciness in this casserole?

Absolutely! You can adjust the heat by using mild or spicy versions of ingredients like the Rotel tomatoes with chilis or the taco seasoning.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this casserole.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

When reheating, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator first and then reheat in the oven or microwave.

What other toppings can I add for garnish?

In addition to sour cream and salsa, you can also consider adding chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, diced avocado, or even a drizzle of lime juice.

Can I add rice to this casserole for more substance?

Certainly! You can layer cooked rice between the meat and bean mixture to make the casserole even heartier.

Leave A Reply