Image Credit : Easy Cooking
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– 1 can Ranch Style beans
– 1 (10-12 ounce) bag tortilla chips, crushed (you may not need the whole bag)
– 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
– 1 package taco seasoning
– 1 can cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup water
Toppings (Optional):
– Sour cream
– Salsa
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
– Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
1. **Brown the Beef:**
– In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium heat until browned.
– Drain off any excess fat.
2. **Add Ingredients:**
– Stir in 1 can of Ranch Style beans, 1 can of Ro-tel tomatoes, and 1 chopped small onion.
– Add 1 package of taco seasoning, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, and 1/2 cup of water.
3. **Simmer:**
– Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through.
3. Assemble the Casserole
1. **Layering:**
– In the greased casserole dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips.
– Follow with a layer of the meat/bean mixture.
– Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
2. **Repeat:**
– Add another layer of crushed tortilla chips.
– Top with the remaining meat/bean mixture.
– Finish with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Bake
1. **Cover and Bake:**
– Cover the casserole dish with foil.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
5. Rest and Serve
1. **Cool Down:**
– Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
2. **Top It Off:**
– Serve topped with sour cream and salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
6. Enjoy!
– Dig in and enjoy the cheesy, crunchy, and flavorful Mexican casserole with your family and friends!
Tips and Variations
– **Add Veggies:** Feel free to add corn, bell peppers, or black olives to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
– **Spicy Kick:** For a spicier version, use hot Ro-tel tomatoes or add some chopped jalapeños.
– **Cheese Choices:** Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a unique twist.
– **Make it Vegetarian:** Swap out the ground beef for black beans or a meat substitute to make it vegetarian-friendly.
This Mexican Casserole is sure to become a family favorite with its delicious layers and mouth-watering flavors. Enjoy cooking and even more, enjoy eating!
