Mexican Beef Casserole
This Mexican Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—crispy tortilla chips, savory seasoned beef, hearty black beans, and melty cheddar cheese all come together in a deliciously layered bake.
With bold flavors and a creamy, cheesy texture, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Serve it with sour cream and salsa for a satisfying meal that brings the taste of Tex-Mex straight to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy & Convenient – Uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly with minimal prep.
Cheesy & Comforting – Layers of melted cheddar cheese make this dish irresistibly creamy and delicious.
Crunchy & Satisfying – The tortilla chips add a crispy texture that complements the rich, savory filling.
Bold & Flavorful – Taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and black beans create a perfect balance of spice and zest.
Feeds a Crowd – Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings—everyone will want seconds!
Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level or add toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or extra salsa.
Great for Leftovers – Reheats well for an easy meal the next day.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef – Provides a hearty and flavorful protein base.
Black Beans – Add texture, fiber, and a rich, earthy taste.
Rotel Tomatoes with Chilis – Brings a zesty kick with diced tomatoes and green chiles.
Taco Seasoning – Infuses the dish with bold, Tex-Mex flavors.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds a creamy, savory element that ties everything together.
Tortilla Chips – Give a crunchy contrast to the cheesy, meaty layers.
Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the dish for a gooey, irresistible finish.
Sour Cream & Salsa – The perfect garnishes for a fresh and tangy balance.
How to make Mexican Beef 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 your oven to 325°F.
Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add the black beans, Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and water into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes to blend the flavors and heat everything through.
Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Create a base layer with crushed tortilla chips.
Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture.
Add another layer of tortilla chips.
Spread the remaining beef mixture over the top.
Finish with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly.
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with sour cream and salsa on top for extra flavor.
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and crunchy Mexican-inspired casserole—a perfect comfort meal!
Notes:
Use Sturdy Tortilla Chips – Thin chips may become too soggy; thicker ones hold up better in the layers.
Customize the Spice Level – Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra taco seasoning for more heat.
Swap the Protein – Try using ground turkey or shredded chicken for a different twist.
Cheese Variations – Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work well.
Make It Creamier – Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese into the meat mixture for extra richness.
Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
Great for Freezing – Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking for a quick future meal.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: ~480 kcal | Protein: ~28g | Carbohydrates: ~45g | Fat: ~24g | Saturated Fat: ~10g | Fiber: ~7g | Sugar: ~4g | Sodium: ~950mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it well with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, or a homemade mixture of ½ cup milk + 1 tablespoon flour + ½ cup chicken broth for a lighter option.
How do I keep the tortilla chips from getting too soggy?
Use thicker tortilla chips, layer them just before baking, and avoid adding too much liquid.
You can also bake the casserole uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp it up.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for extra black beans, pinto beans, or meat alternatives like soy crumbles.
Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a fully vegetarian version.
Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?
Yes! You can swap the cheddar cheese for other varieties like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well for a smooth, gooey texture.
Can I use regular chips instead of tortilla chips?
For the best texture, tortilla chips are recommended, but if you prefer, you can use regular potato chips or corn chips as a substitute.
Keep in mind that the texture will be a little different.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
Yes! You can add more chili powder, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper, or use a spicy salsa in place of the regular salsa.
Adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture will also bring in more heat!
Can I make this casserole without the cream of chicken soup?
If you’d prefer to skip the cream of chicken soup, you can make a homemade sauce by combining sour cream or cream cheese with a bit of milk to create a creamy texture.
Alternatively, use a cheese sauce or salsa for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is fully melted, the edges are bubbling, and the dish feels hot throughout.
If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.