Mexican casseroles are a delightful and flavorful addition to any dinner table. They combine the vibrant spices and ingredients typical of Mexican cuisine into a single, hearty dish. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for a gathering, there’s a Mexican casserole recipe for every occasion. Here are a few must-try recipes that will surely become favorites in your home.
1. Classic Mexican Beef Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- Tortilla chips, crushed (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook until softened.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture with cooked rice, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and crushed tortilla chips if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with a side of salsa and guacamole for an extra kick.
2. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, green chilies, sour cream, black beans, and chopped onion.
- Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer with half of the tortilla pieces, then half of the remaining chicken mixture, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado.
3. Vegetarian Mexican Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- Tortilla chips, crushed (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cooked quinoa, and taco seasoning.
- Spread a layer of the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with half of the shredded cheese, then repeat with another layer of the mixture and cheese.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
Conclusion
Mexican casseroles are versatile and can be tailored to your preferences. Whether you opt for a beefy, cheesy classic, a zesty chicken enchilada version, or a hearty vegetarian dish, these recipes are sure to satisfy your craving for Mexican flavors. Enjoy these easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casseroles with your family and friends!