This Mexican Beef Casserole Delight is perfect for those who love a hearty, comforting dish that's full of flavor. It's a simple recipe that combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and cheese with a hint of chili for a spicy kick. All layered between soft corn tortillas, this casserole is a sure hit for any meal.
The ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in any supermarket. However, if you do not routinely cook Mexican cuisine, you may need to buy corn tortillas and chili powder. Corn tortillas, which form the base of our casserole, have a distinctive flavor that's different from regular flour tortillas. Chili powder is a spice blend that gives the dish its signature heat and depth of flavor.
Ingredients for Mexican Beef Casserole Delight
Ground beef: This is the main protein of the dish. It's rich in flavor and will be cooked with the vegetables and spices.
Beans: They add a hearty, filling element to the dish.
Tomatoes: This adds a tangy, sweet flavor to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This acts as a binder and adds a creamy, savory flavor to the casserole.
Corn tortillas: These form the layers of the casserole and give a distinctive Mexican flavor.
Cheddar cheese: This is sprinkled over the top for a tangy, creamy finish.
Chili powder: This spice blend adds heat and deep flavor to the dish.
One reader, Aldrich Scanlon says:
This Mexican beef casserole delight is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting, and the layers of tortillas and cheese are just divine. It's become a family favorite in our household. So easy to make and incredibly delicious. Highly recommend trying it out!
Essential Techniques for Mexican Beef Casserole Delight
How to brown ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
How to layer the casserole: Start by lining a 13x9-inch dish with corn tortillas. Then, spread a layer of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining meat mixture. Finish by topping with grated cheese.
How to bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to serve the casserole: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the casserole warm and enjoy!
How To Make Mexican Beef Casserole
Grab a bite of this flavorful beef casserole! It’s packed with tender beef, tomatoes, beans, and cheddar cheese, then baked for a hot and bubbly meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lblean ground beef
- 15ozbeans,(1 can), ranch-style
- 14.5oztomatoes,(1 can), peeled and diced
- 10.75ozcondensed cream of mushroom soup,(1 can)
- 12ozcorn tortillas,(1 package)
- 4cupscheddar cheese,shredded
- 2tbspchili powder
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chili powder, beans, tomatoes, and soup. Mix well and heat thoroughly.
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Line a 13×9-inch dish with tortillas.
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Make a layer with the meat mixture. Make another row of tortillas, then finish off with the rest of the meat mixture. Top with grated cheese.
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Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 377.43kcal
- Fat: 24.93g
- Saturated Fat: 11.82g
- Trans Fat: 0.97g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.14g
- Carbohydrates: 19.43g
- Fiber: 3.80g
- Sugar: 2.63g
- Protein: 20.16g
- Cholesterol: 71.72mg
- Sodium: 538.62mg
- Calcium: 350.75mg
- Potassium: 386.44mg
- Iron: 1.89mg
- Vitamin A: 164.30µg
- Vitamin C: 9.03mg
Helpful Technique for Making Mexican Beef Casserole Delight
When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and integrates well with the other ingredients. Additionally, when layering the casserole, ensure to spread the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas. This will ensure every bite has a balanced flavor of beef, beans, tomatoes, and cheese.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Casserole
Plan ahead: Prepare a weekly meal plan to streamline your grocery shopping and cooking process.
Prep in advance: Chop vegetables and brown meat ahead of time to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot for easy cleanup.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like a food processor or slow cooker to simplify meal preparation.
Batch cooking: Cook large portions and freeze individual servings for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking utensils while preparing the recipe.
Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps involved.
Efficient multitasking: Utilize downtime while cooking, such as letting a dish simmer, to complete other kitchen tasks.
Substitute Ingredients For Mexican Beef Casserole Recipe
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to ground beef, and it provides a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
beans - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and can provide a similar texture and heartiness to the casserole.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes with green chilies: This substitute adds a bit of heat and extra flavor to the dish, similar to the original ingredient.
condensed cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with condensed cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup can provide a similar creamy texture and flavor to the casserole.
corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used as a substitute for corn tortillas, providing a slightly different texture and flavor to the casserole.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese has a mild flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute for cheddar in this casserole.
chili powder - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a similar smoky flavor and mild heat to the dish, similar to chili powder.
Presentation Tips for Mexican Beef Casserole
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Mexican Beef Casserole Delight, ensure that the dish is plated with precision and attention to detail. Use fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños as garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Create contrast in the dish by incorporating different textures. Consider adding a sprinkle of crispy tortilla strips on top of the casserole to provide a delightful crunch.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the casserole in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each component is evenly distributed. This attention to detail will showcase the dish's craftsmanship.
Utilize high-quality serveware: Present the casserole in elegant ceramic bakeware or cast iron skillets to add a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Highlight the layers: Emphasize the layers of the casserole by carefully slicing and serving each portion to showcase the beautiful strata of flavors within the dish.
Add a finishing touch: Before serving, drizzle a swirl of sour cream or avocado cream on top of the casserole to add a creamy and visually appealing element to the dish.
Storing and Freezing Mexican Beef Casserole
Let the casserole cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole:
- Divide the cooled casserole into individual portions or freeze the entire dish.
- Wrap the portions or dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped casserole with the date and contents.
- Place the wrapped casserole in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the frozen casserole:
- If reheating a single portion, microwave it on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- For reheating the entire dish, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with foil.
- Bake the thawed casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you plan to freeze the casserole, consider using a disposable aluminum pan for easy storage and reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Mexican Beef Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the original texture and prevents the tortillas from becoming too soggy.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel will help prevent the tortillas from drying out.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the leftover casserole and stir occasionally until heated through. This method will give the tortillas a slightly crispy texture and enhance the flavors of the beef and cheese.
For a crispy top, reheat the casserole in the oven as mentioned above, but remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat individual portions of the casserole. Place a serving in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top.
Interesting Fact About Mexican Beef Casserole Delight
The Mexican Beef Casserole Delight is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, beans, and tomatoes with a creamy mushroom soup base. This casserole is a perfect comfort food for gatherings and family dinners. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with additional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado. The layers of corn tortillas add a delightful texture to the dish, making it a satisfying and filling meal. This casserole is a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine in a convenient and easy-to-make dish.
Is This Casserole Recipe Budget-Friendly?
This mexican beef casserole delight is a budget-friendly option for households. The combination of lean ground beef, beans, and corn tortillas makes it a cost-effective choice. The use of canned tomatoes and condensed cream of mushroom soup also keeps the overall cost low. With an approximate cost of $15, this dish provides a hearty meal for a family of four. The flavors and textures blend well, earning it a solid 8/10 rating for taste and affordability.
Is This Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Mexican beef casserole delight recipe, while tasty, has some aspects that could be improved to make it a healthier meal:
- The recipe relies heavily on processed ingredients like canned soup and beans, which can be high in sodium and preservatives.
- Using a full-fat cheese like cheddar in large quantities adds significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish.
- Traditional corn tortillas are a good source of fiber, but the recipe doesn't include any additional vegetables to boost the nutrient content.
To make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor, consider the following modifications:
- Swap the canned beans for low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties, or use home-cooked beans to control the sodium content.
- Replace the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using low-fat milk, fresh mushrooms, and a small amount of flour to thicken it.
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella or a reduced-fat cheddar.
- Incorporate additional vegetables into the meat mixture, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
- Use whole grain tortillas instead of traditional corn tortillas to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates.
- Serve the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals.
Editor's Opinion on Mexican Beef Casserole Delight
This Mexican beef casserole delight is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of beef, beans, and tomatoes with the creamy texture of condensed cream of mushroom soup. The layers of corn tortillas add a delightful texture, while the generous amount of cheddar cheese creates a gooey, indulgent topping. The dish is well-balanced with a hint of spice from the chili powder, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner. It's a simple yet satisfying recipe that is sure to please everyone at the table.
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Why trust this Mexican Beef Casserole Recipe:
This recipe is a delicious and satisfying Mexican beef casserole delight that is sure to impress. With flavorful lean ground beef, hearty beans, and zesty tomatoes, this dish is packed with protein and essential nutrients. The addition of corn tortillas and creamy condensed cream of mushroom soup creates a comforting and indulgent texture. Topped with a generous amount of gooey cheddar cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. The chili powder adds a perfect kick of spice, making this recipe a must-try for anyone craving a taste of Mexican cuisine.
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