Sizzling Tex Mex Casserole Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Comfort meets zest in this mouthwatering tex mex casserole that promises a flavor explosion on your dinner plate.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips create a hearty meal bursting with southwestern charm.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and satisfying.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spicy and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that comes together in just minutes.

The combination of bold spices and classic ingredients makes this casserole a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single, delectable spoonful of this tex mex masterpiece.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or vegetarian ground “meat” to maintain the protein content and flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. Choose mild seasoning for less heat or add hot sauce for extra kick. You can control the spiciness by selecting your preferred seasoning blend.

• What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar and monterey jack are traditional choices. Blend them for a richer flavor, or use Mexican cheese blend for authentic taste. Shredded cheese melts perfectly in this casserole.

Big Tex Mex Flavor, One Cozy Casserole Dish

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This Tex Mex Casserole brings everyone together with its irresistible layers of hearty beef, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheese that spark joy at any gathering.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your family's taste – add jalapeños for heat, switch ground beef for chicken, or make it vegetarian with extra beans and veggies.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar, zesty flavors and fun layered presentation that turns dinner into a delicious adventure.

Shopping List for Tex Mex Casserole Creation

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the core protein for the casserole.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that create a rich and savory flavor foundation.
• Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes: Colorful and nutritious vegetables that add texture and depth to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning: A zesty spice blend that gives the casserole its signature Tex-Mex flavor profile.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy base layer that adds texture and traditional Tex-Mex character.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty and creamy topping that brings richness and a golden finish to the casserole.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright, herbaceous garnish.
• Sour Cream, Salsa: Optional condiments that enhance the dish with cool and tangy flavors.

How to Cook Tex Mex Casserole with Ease

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

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

Step 2: Brown The Protein

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the meat turns a delicious golden brown and drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Create Spicy Filling

• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes
• Taco seasoning

Let everything dance and simmer together for 5-7 minutes, developing deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Build The First Layer

Grab a baking dish and start constructing your casserole masterpiece by laying down a crispy base of tortilla chips.

Step 5: Add Hearty Meat Layer

Spread the simmered beef mixture generously over the tortilla chips.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese Love

Shower the beef layer with a generous handful of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Repeat The Magic

Create another round of layers – chips, meat, and more cheese.

Step 8: Melt And Bake

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for extra zest.

Tips for a Rich and Cheesy Tex Mex Bake

• Brown meat thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors that elevate the entire casserole's taste profile.
• Layer tortilla chips strategically to maintain crispness and avoid a mushy texture during baking.
• Adjust taco seasoning quantity to suit personal heat preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys the dish.
• Remove fat from ground beef and drain canned vegetables to keep the casserole from becoming watery.
• Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create perfect, gooey consistency.

Tex Mex Casserole – Ideas to Make It Your Own

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu, using the same spices and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Chicken Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini rounds instead of tortilla chips to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly base.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free and replace regular tortilla chips with corn tortilla chips or gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly preparation.

Dishing Up Tex Mex Casserole for the Crowd

• Fiesta Party Plate: Serve this casserole with colorful side dishes like Mexican rice, fresh guacamole, and zesty pico de gallo for a complete meal that bursts with flavor.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a fun toppings bar with chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, and different salsas so everyone can customize their portion.
• Fresh and Bright Finish: Top the hot casserole with cool, creamy dollops of sour cream, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and add a squeeze of lime for a tangy, refreshing contrast.
• Game Day Winner: Perfect for sports gatherings, pair with cold Mexican beer, tortilla chips, and a simple green salad for a crowd-pleasing spread that keeps everyone satisfied.

Storing Tex Mex Casserole for Quick Lunches

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

Tex Mex Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty tex mex casserole brings together zesty southwestern flavors in one comforting dish. Layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies your craving for bold, homestyle cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy, Cheese, and Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 0.25 cup chopped cilantro

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced black olives
• Avocado slices

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. Sauté ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic in a large skillet, cooking until the meat turns a rich, golden brown. Carefully drain away any excess fat.
3. Infuse the meat with vibrant flavors by incorporating black beans, sweet corn, zesty diced tomatoes, and a robust taco seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld together for 5-7 minutes.
4. Create a delectable foundation in a baking dish by layering crisp tortilla chips as the base.
5. Generously spread the seasoned beef mixture over the chips, ensuring even coverage.
6. Sprinkle a lavish layer of shredded cheese to add creamy richness and depth.
7. Repeat the layering process, building a delicious architectural marvel of chips, meat, and cheese.
8. Crown the casserole with a final, abundant layer of cheese for maximum golden-brown potential.
9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes irresistibly bubbly and develops a beautiful golden crust.
10. Once removed from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness.
11. Serve immediately, accompanied by cool sour cream or zesty salsa to complement the dish’s bold flavors.

Notes

• Make this dish gluten-free by using corn tortilla chips and checking taco seasoning labels for wheat-based ingredients.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, hearty texture.
• Control spice levels by choosing mild taco seasoning or adding diced green chiles for a subtle kick without overwhelming heat.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating until ready to bake, which allows flavors to meld beautifully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 397 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg