Easy 30-Minute Mexican Casserole – tortilla chips, taco meat, beans, tomatoes, and cheese – top with your favorite taco toppings! Can make ahead and freeze for later. Great kid-friendly Mexican recipe!!
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Pin This RecipeI am always on the lookout for a great Mexican dish to make at home. I usually make enchiladas, so I was interested in making this casserole to change up our usual Mexican night.
This casserole reminded me a lot of King Ranch Chicken but with ground beef. This was quick and easy to put together. I cooked my ground beef the night before and just mixed everything up when I got home from work. This is a very hearty and filling dish. It is also great reheated the next day. I think this would be a great dish to serve at a potluck dinner or even a tailgate party.
Easy Mexican Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (15-oz) can Ranch Style beans
- 1 (10-12 oz) bag tortilla chips, crushed (I didn't use the whole bag)
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup water
- sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. In a large skillet, brown meat and drain off fat. Stir in beans, tomatoes, onion, taco seasoning, soup and water. Simmer over medium-low heat until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Put down a layer of crushed tortilla chips, followed by a layer of the meat/bean mixture, then half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat layers. Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Remove foil and place under the broiler just until the cheese starts to brown.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream and salsa.
Notes:
I used Ranch Style Beans in this recipe. If you can’t find them, you can substitute a can of chili beans.
I suggest using Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup in this dish to control the sodium.
You can buy it by the case at Amazon: https://amzn.to/49n4uZE
Need Gluten-free Cream of Chicken Soup? You can buy it here: https://amzn.to/3MtqQ1s
Here is our recipe for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-cream-of-chicken-soup/
Here is our recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/Steph
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Hi, I was reading an old recipe book and it had a similar recipe, not like yours though and I thought it’d be a welcome change and delicious! I wondered if I topped this with Mexican cornbread if it’d work, any thoughts? Lol, I see all the comments asking can I add this, do that, wish people would read through the comments, most questions are answered already. Thank you!😊
Do I drain the beans and rotel?
No, it says Undrained.
Can I substitute cream of potato or mushroom for cream of chicken? Reason is I’m allergic to poultry.
Any changes and substitutions to the recipe would be up to you.
I’ve made this delicious casserole, but was wondering if you could substitute rice for the chips? If so, how much?
I’m sure rice would be fine. The amount would be up to you.
Cream of mushroom would probably be OK. It is in the King Ranch chicken casserole.
Any condensed cream of soup is fine.
How crushed up do we make the chips? Still new to cooking. Thanks for the help!
It doesn’t really matter. I crush them into medium pieces – not too big and not finely crushed.
What about Taco flavor Doritos? I’ve made several Mexican casseroles over the years with Doritos. I think I would prefer that to plain tortilla chips.
You can use any flavor you prefer
Thank you so much for this recipe!! It was not only extremely easy to make, it was hands down delicious!!! My children and husband said that it surpassed their favorite dinner that I make for them. The only changes I made were as follows: I used ground turkey instead of beef and also added a can of green chilies. I couldn’t find ranch style beans so I substituted with Bush’s chili beans! I served with salsa and sour cream and added avocado and green onions! Spanish rice was the perfect side! Thank you, thank you, thank you! This will be my go to meal when invited to parties for sure!
SO glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve made this recipe twice and my family loved it ! I did make one change … I used drained black means instead of the ranch style beans mainly bc I had them in my pantry. I also diced a jalapeño finely and added to the meat mixture. I’ve used whatever chips I had to including ranch style & nacho cheese doritos and corn/white tortilla chips. Every variation has been delicious!
This sounds delish! What are ranch style beans? I can’t find here in Michigan!
They are a brand of beans – https://www.walmart.com/grocery/ip/RANCH-STYLE-Beans-26-oz/10448005
WHAT ARE RANCH STYLE BEANS???
EXACTLY THAT – THEY SAY RANCH STYLE BEANS ON THE CAN!!! THEY ARE NEAR THE CHILI BEANS.
Made this for dinner this evening! It was delicious!
What are ranch style beans?
It says Ranch Style Beans on the can – they are near the chili beans
Just tried this tonight for dinner. Can't believe I hadn't tried it before. I didn't have any tortilla chips and I didn't even think to use tortillas torn up (great idea) maybe next time. Anyway, it was yummy. My hubby and I both enjoyed it. Now to wrap it up to save for another day.
I make this with torn up corn tortillas instead of chips. Tastes the same, but lower in fat. I guess it would taste different if you used something flavored like Nacho Cheese Doritos instead of plain tortilla chips.
I have also done a layer of tortillas with both corn and flour. It just depends on what I have in the house.
I have also used cooked leftover turkey meat and grilled chicken instead of hamburger.
how well does this freeze?
Would also love to know if it freezes well??
You can freeze it
Should this be baked before freezing or just mix together then freeze? Just curious which is best for the chips. Thanks
Will this work in the crockpot?
Just made this dish tonight 🙂 It turned out pretty good but it wasn't what I was expecting. I think with a few tweeks, this would make a great party dip, too!
I have made this one according to the recipe one time, but I have one child who doesn't like chips in dishes because they get soggy. The next time I left the chips out and just made it in a very large skillet I have and let the cheese melt on top. I then serve it with chips and we all love it.
This sounds yummy but I cannot have cream of anything soup due to gluten issues. Any suggestions on a substitute? I am drawing a blank
FYI: Pacific Foods Organic Cream of Chicken Soup is Gluten Free
This turned out pretty good, I used minced tomatoes rather than the Rotel, but it was darn good.
I made this last night (thanks to Pinterest) – very good! I used ranch style beans with jalapenos for added spice. For left overs I think I'll put this inside tortillas and serve burrito style. THANKS!
This is the best Mexican casserole ever! My husband likes taco salad, flautas, empanadas, etc, but hates "Mexican casseroles", which he claims are all variations on a theme. I've been trying "variations" for years to no avail! When I saw this recipe, I thought, this is the one! 😀 He happened to walk by while the beef mixture was in the skillet and said it smelled great and took a spoonful out of the pan. He loved it even before it was baked! Once it was baked, he loved it even more, and I've now made it twice in two weeks! It's just the perfect blend of ingredients and a very good flavor and good texture for picky casserole eaters! Love it!
This looks delicious! Trying it tomorrow for Football Sunday!!
Donna C – Ranch Style Beans is a brand of beans. It says Ranch Style Beans on the can. If you can't find them, you can use some chili beans.
HELP!! I have everything to make this recipe but what are "Ranch Style beans"? I didn't see any at the store.
Made this tonight and it was a big hit. Great flavor. Awesome ….a definate keeper for the recipe book.
In the oven now! This recipe was so easy to make. Can't wait to try it. Thank you for sharing.
This is a regular around my house. But we add a 1/2 lb of velveeta to ours and put the shredded cheese on top. 🙂 My husband is a big fan of cheese.
I also use Dorritos sometimes instead of tortilla chips 🙂 Kids love it!
It's in the oven, can't wait! Thank you for sharing!
I made this tonight and it was great! thanks!
I used ground turkey meat and only 1/2 a can of cream of chicken, substituted greek yogurt for the rest. Also used Baked Tostitos all in an effort to make it a bit healthier without forsaking taste. It was really yummy, it passed the hubby test. Also used Ranch Style beans with jalapenos because we like it spicy! Thanks for the recipe, it is a keeper.
Hi! Just curious if anyone has tried freezing this dish? I try to always double what I cook and freeze the extra for a later date. This dish was delicious straight from the oven… so hoping it would be the same out of the freezer.
Yes it is! I always make extra and freeze some when I make this. Makes a easy recipe that much easier 🙂
Ranch Style Beans is a brand of beans – they are made in Texas and seasoned with southwestern spices. They are great in Mexican food and chili.
Dinner tonight! Looks yummy…can't wait to taste it. BTW, what are "ranch style" beans? I just used black beans instead.
This was delicious!! I was able to make it without the 1/2 cup water that it calls for because there was enough liquid from the tomatoes, beans and soup. I didn't want to add the water and it be too "soupy". I cooked the mixture on the stove until some of the liquid evaporated and it was thick and creamy. I will definitely be making this again!! Great recipe!! :):) A+
Perfect, thanks so much!
Don't drain the beans and rotel tomatoes – just dump them in there.
Thanks for the recipe! Also wondering if I should draint he tomatoes and beans?
Don't know if I should drain tomatoes and beans please advise. Ashdawnn@hotmail.com thanku!!!
What kind of beans are ranch style? Recipe sounds so good. Will be trying it!
They say “Ranch Style Beans” on the can – it is a type/brand of beans
Did you drain the beans?
I did not drain the Ranch Style Beans, but you can if you prefer.
We really like this recipe!!! Enjoyed tonight by my husband who says he doesn't like Mexican (but had 3 helpings!!!)
Delicious! I just made this and added corn and used homemade taco seasoning. Also substituted half of the ground beef with ground turkey. So quick and easy! Thanks!
I make this casserole all the time, been years, I have used crushed tortilla chips, but I like using corn torilla's in mine. Either way its quick, easy and delicious!
I made this last night. Like you, I only used about 6-8oz of crushed tortilla chips. I couldn't find ranch-style beans in my town, so used The Homesick Texan's recipe for them; nor could I find Ro-tel tomatoes, so subbed a can of diced and added a small can of chopped green chiles. Used my own homemade taco seasoning and an organic cream soup (no HFCS or other scary ingredients). We both liked this and DH was especially doing a happy dance. ☺ Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Made this for dinner last night, another hit from Stephanie, Thanks! Cooking your sausage cheese grits this week on a all-girls trip to the beach, can't wait for that!!
Melissa – try cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
I have a question about this recipe, my mom will not eat anything that has anything to do with "chicken". So I'm wondering if there is another soup that you think could be substituted for the cream of chicken soup?
It might be a little messy (as casseroles tend to be) but dang this looks good, Steph! I love ranch style beans.
I might steal this one and do it in cupcake tins to make individual sized servings.
I made this last night for dinner. It looked exactly like the picture, was super easy to make and tasted great. TKS for the recipe.
I am a new follower; everything looks soo good! Can't wait to try some of these recipes out!
Your casserole looks delicious! Topped with sour cream makes it perfect in my book:)
OMG, I am not even sure how I stumbled across your blog but you have SO many tasty looking recipes! I made this one tonight and it was a hit! Can't wait to look around so more and try some others! Thanks!
I love Mexican food – especially casseroles. This looks insanely good!
Love anything Mexican food related so this looks fantastic to me!!
we're so busy lately that these are exactly the type of simple dishes we need! thanks for posting!
omg looks delicious. I just made a Mexican casserole with Hominy. It was wonderful, you'll have to watch for my post soon.
Ooooh that sounds DELISH.
Katherine – PLEASE share your recipe!! I love to try new recipes – keeps dinner from being boring.
This one looks DELICIOUS! I have a great one that I use that I'd be happy to share if you ever want to try another one, too. It's a huge hit at our house and reheats really well.
Interesting recipe. Looks delicious.
This looks so yummy!
My children enjoy Mexican inspired dishes. I'll add this to the menu.
btw, I've got your slow cooker chicken slow cooking. 🙂
~ingrid
found you through Amanda, I'm follower #213!! Can't wait to go back through your blog!!
xoxo
See, this is the kind of thing I luv. My hubby such a spoiled sport and doesn't go for casseroles.
So, I'll just have to make it and have the Brother over to eat it with me and poor old hubby can drool and won't get any.
The family loved it!!
Being set into the mix of top 10
Ohhh, I think I have everything to make this! I know what's for supper tonight!
Your Mexican Casserole certainly looks yummy! I have never tried cooking Mexican food before, this has really got me interested… !
Can you freeze this dish