Renee’s Mexican Casserole Recipe
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description:
Reneeโs Mexican Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that has been a family favorite for years. In fact, itโs so beloved that even my ex-husband called recently to ask for the recipe! This one-dish meal is packed with classic Mexican flavors, layers of cheesy goodness, and crunchy tortilla chips. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re feeding a crowd. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips will make this an instant hit at your dinner table.
Recipe Category:
One Dish Meal
Keywords:
Meat, Mexican, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1/2 | Onion, diced |
| 4 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1 lb | Lean ground beef |
| 1 can | Mexican-style tomatoes |
| 1 can | Diced green chilies |
| 1/2 cup | Black olives, sliced |
| 1 bag | Tortilla chips, crushed |
| 2 cups | Mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| 1 cup | Sour cream |
| 1 cup | Cheddar cheese, shredded |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1595.2 |
| Fat Content (g) | 95.3 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 30.8 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 148.9 |
| Sodium (mg) | 2132.3 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 148.2 |
| Fiber (g) | 11.9 |
| Sugar (g) | 7.6 |
| Protein (g) | 45.5 |
Servings:
8 servings
Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
While the oven is preheating, gather all your ingredients and prepare them for layering. This will save time as you begin assembling your casserole. -
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sautรฉ them until they become fragrant and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic. -
Add the ground beef to the skillet.
Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. Be sure to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 7-8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. -
Mix in the Mexican-style tomatoes, diced green chilies, black olives, and taco seasoning.
Stir everything together, ensuring that the ground beef is evenly coated in the tomato mixture. Simmer this mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify. -
Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with oil or cooking spray.
This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy serving later on. -
Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the baking pan.
This will create a crunchy base for the casserole. The chips will soak up some of the juices from the meat mixture but will retain their crunch. -
Add the entire meat mixture on top of the tortilla chips.
Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite of the casserole is packed with seasoned meat and flavor. -
Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
The mozzarella will melt into the meat mixture, adding a creamy, stretchy texture. -
Dollop the sour cream over the mozzarella layer.
Use a spoon to gently spread it out, ensuring an even layer of tangy creaminess that complements the rich beef and cheese. -
Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips to form a crunchy topping.
This second layer of chips adds texture and helps balance the richness of the casserole. -
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
The cheese should be bubbling, and the edges should be slightly golden. The aroma of Mexican spices will fill your kitchen! -
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese has melted into a golden, gooey topping. -
Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving.
This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions:
Renee’s Mexican Casserole is a perfect one-dish meal, but you can elevate it with a few side dishes. Consider serving it with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, or a side salad with a lime vinaigrette. For a complete Mexican-inspired feast, pair it with Spanish rice or refried beans.
Enjoy this savory, cheesy, and crunchy casserole, whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Itโs sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion!
Tips for Success:
- Customize the heat level: If you enjoy a spicier kick, consider adding more diced green chilies or mixing in some hot salsa with the tomatoes. You can also top it with jalapeรฑo slices before serving.
- Ground turkey or chicken: You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.
- Make it vegetarian: For a meatless option, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and bell peppers. Add your favorite plant-based protein for extra texture.
- Add more cheese: For a cheesier version, feel free to double the mozzarella or cheddar cheese layers.
This casserole stores well, making it great for leftovers. Simply refrigerate any remaining portions in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350ยฐF until heated through, or pop individual servings in the microwave for a quick meal.
Keywords:
Meat, Mexican, Oven, < 4 Hours
