The Zesty Tex Mex Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

Spice up your dinner game with a hearty Tex-Mex casserole that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Layers of melted cheese, seasoned meat, and crispy tortilla chips create a mouthwatering melody of flavors.

Southwest ingredients dance together in this one-pan wonder, bringing zesty excitement to your kitchen.

Weeknight meals demand something quick yet satisfying, and this recipe delivers precisely that.

Unexpected combinations of traditional ingredients make every bite a delightful surprise.

Simple prep means you can whip this dish together faster than ordering takeout.

Pack your plate with bold, robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serving Ideas for Tex Mex Casserole

• Zesty Party Platter: Arrange casserole on a large platter surrounded by tortilla chips, salsa, and sour cream for a festive gathering spread.
• Fresh Fiesta Finish: Top with diced avocado, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice to add bright, fresh flavors and color contrast.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light cilantro-lime dressing to balance the rich, warm casserole and add nutritional value.
• Comfort Bowl Upgrade: Create individual servings in deep bowls, allowing guests to customize with extra toppings like jalapeños, hot sauce, or additional cheese crumbles.

Best Storage Practices for Tex Mex Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Will stay good for up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to crisp cheese top.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the casserole.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies you use. Choose mild versions if you prefer less spice, or add hot sauce for extra kick.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure your broth is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Tex Mex Casserole Packed with Bold Southwestern Flavors

• Savor Hearty One-Pot Comfort: Combines multiple ingredients in a single dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ground beef with turkey or adding personal favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or sliced jalapeños for a personalized meal experience.
• Pack Nutritional Power: Loaded with protein from meat, fiber-rich beans, and vegetables, creating a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients for the whole family.
• Crowd-Pleasing Tex-Mex Delight: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners with its bold, spicy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime exciting and delicious.

Ingredients for Tex Mex Casserole

• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: A hearty meat that provides the main protein for the casserole and adds rich flavor.

• Uncooked Rice, Black Beans: These ingredients create a filling base and add substantial texture to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic, Corn, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These vegetables contribute depth of flavor and fresh, vibrant elements to the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce, Taco Seasoning, Broth: These ingredients help develop a robust Tex-Mex taste profile and provide moisture for cooking.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully and create a creamy, golden topping for the casserole.
• Fresh Cilantro: A bright herb that adds a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and meat, adding a subtle richness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tex Mex Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Splash olive oil into a large skillet and toss in diced onions.

Let them dance and turn translucent over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

Drop in ground beef or turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until it’s beautifully browned and sizzling.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and let it mingle with the meat for a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 5: Build the Casserole Base

• Uncooked rice
• Black beans
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Tomato sauce
• Taco seasoning
• Broth

Stir everything until it’s well-acquainted and simmering.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the simmering mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 7: First Bake

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes until the rice is tender and dreamy.

Step 8: Cheese Blanket

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Step 9: Final Melt

Return the uncovered dish to the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Watch the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve with your favorite accompaniments.

Dinner is served!

Pro Tips for Flavorful Tex Mex Casserole

• Use ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version of this hearty casserole.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, ensuring perfectly fluffy grains in your dish.
• Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or add extra chili flakes for those who love a spicy kick.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after adding cheese to allow for better melting and easier serving.

Tasty Variations to Try with Tex Mex Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef or turkey with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Quinoa Power Bowl: Swap rice with quinoa to boost protein and create a gluten-free alternative that maintains the classic Tex-Mex flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Craze: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Spicy Green Chile Edition: Increase green chiles or add jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and enhanced southwestern taste.

Tex Mex Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty tex mex casserole brings layers of zesty southwestern flavors to dinner tables with bold spices and rich ingredients. Comfort meets culinary excitement in this easy-to-prepare dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)
• Sliced jalapenos (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the casserole.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground meat to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning.
5. Add uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and broth, creating a rich, layered mixture.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer, blending flavors and ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Transfer the skillet contents to a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform base.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
9. Remove foil and generously sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across the surface.
10. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, waiting until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
11. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with optional toppings for enhanced flavor and texture.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to create a lower-carb alternative that keeps the dish’s Tex-Mex essence.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning and adjusting green chili intensity to suit personal preferences.
• Prep ingredients beforehand and assemble quickly for a weeknight meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 432 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg