Sizzling Tex Mex Casserole Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors in One Dish
Crafting a delectable Tex-Mex casserole brings pure comfort to your dinner table.
Layers of vibrant ingredients combine in a harmonious dance of flavors.
Spicy peppers and melted cheese create a mouthwatering symphony that dances across taste buds.
Bold Mexican-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with remarkable depth and zest.
Protein-packed and incredibly satisfying, this dish promises to become a weeknight favorite.
Hearty enough to feed hungry crowds, the casserole delivers a perfect blend of convenience and culinary excitement.
Dive into this culinary adventure that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
What Makes Tex Mex Casserole So Good
Ingredients for Tex Mex Casserole
Main Proteins:Vegetables and Aromatics:Dairy and Cheese:Seasonings and Toppings:How to Prepare Tex Mex Casserole
Step 1: Fire Up The Oven
Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole.
Step 2: Brown The Protein
Grab a large skillet and cook ground beef with diced onion until perfectly browned.
Tip out any extra grease.
Step 3: Spice And Blend The Filling
Add these tasty ingredients to create a zesty base:Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Layer The Casserole Magic
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, create mouthwatering layers:Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the layered casserole for a crispy finish.
Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns melty and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest And Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to mingle.
Tips for Perfect Tex Mex Casserole
Variations for Tex Mex Casserole Dish
Serving Tex Mex Casserole Deliciously
How to Store Tex Mex Casserole
FAQs
The heat level depends on your taco seasoning. Choose a mild version if you prefer less spice, or add a hot variety for extra kick.
Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.
Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans. The flavor profile will remain similar and delicious.
Just a large skillet, 9×13-inch baking dish, and basic measuring tools. This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require complex equipment.
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Mouthwatering Tex Mex Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hearty Tex Mex Casserole brings layers of zesty southwestern flavors to dinner tables across North America. Melted cheese, spicy ground beef, and crisp tortilla chips create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Dairy and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal casserole preparation.
- Brown ground beef with onions in a large skillet, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, then mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, simmering the blend for 5 minutes to develop robust flavors.
- Create layers in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish: spread cooked rice as the foundation, followed by the seasoned meat mixture.
- Spread a smooth layer of sour cream over the meat, ensuring even coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the entire surface, creating a rich, melty topping.
- Crush tortilla chips and distribute evenly over the cheese layer for a crispy texture.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors before serving.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning to match your heat preference.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Add fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top after baking for a bright, fresh flavor boost.
- For a gluten-free option, use corn tortilla chips and verify the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Amanda Bennett
Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling
Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.