Description

This Mexican Beef Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish, packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines hearty beef, ranch-style beans, and crunchy tortilla chips, all topped with gooey cheese. This dish is not only easy to make, but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• Lean Ground Beef: The star protein of the casserole, ground beef adds richness and heartiness to the dish. The lean version ensures that it’s not too greasy, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
• Ranch Style Beans: These beans bring a tangy, hearty element to the casserole, complementing the savory beef and adding a bit of sweetness and acidity.
• Tortilla Chips: Acting as a crunchy base, tortilla chips give texture to the casserole and provide that delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy components.
• Ro-tel Tomatoes: These tomatoes bring a spicy, tangy flavor to the dish, giving it a vibrant kick. The combination of tomatoes and green chilies adds depth to the casserole’s flavor profile.
• Chopped Onion: Onions add depth and subtle sweetness, balancing the savory and spicy flavors.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This cheese melts into a gooey, cheesy layer, pulling all the components together and making the casserole irresistibly creamy.
• Taco Seasoning: This seasoning blend gives the dish that signature taco flavor, infusing the casserole with Mexican spices.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a creamy, velvety texture to the casserole while helping bind everything together.
• Water: Helps the ingredients come together smoothly, ensuring a cohesive consistency.
• Sour Cream and Salsa: Served on top as a garnish, these condiments offer a cool contrast to the spicy and warm casserole, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Preparation Method

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.

2. Add the Onion and Seasonings: To the browned beef, add the chopped onion. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well, ensuring that the beef is evenly coated.

3. Stir in the Ranch Style Beans and Ro-tel Tomatoes: Add the ranch-style beans and Ro-tel tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to ensure the beans and tomatoes are well incorporated with the beef and seasoning.

4. Add the Cream of Chicken Soup: Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup and water. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The soup will add creaminess to the casserole, balancing out the spices and providing a smooth texture. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes.

5. Prepare the Casserole Dish: While the beef mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom. This will serve as the crunchy base for your casserole.

6. Layer the Casserole: Once the beef mixture is ready, pour it over the tortilla chips in the casserole dish. Spread the mixture out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The edges should be slightly golden, indicating that the casserole is ready to be served.

8. Serve with Sour Cream and Salsa: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa on top. These toppings add a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, spicy casserole.

Tips and Conclusion

Customize with Your Favorite Toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro for extra freshness and flavor.

Make it Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.

Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb version, skip the tortilla chips and use a cauliflower rice base instead. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying, without the added carbs.

Add Extra Vegetables: You can sneak in more vegetables by adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn to the beef mixture.
This Mexican Beef Casserole with Ranch Style Beans is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and has the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory elements. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings, and feel free to make it your own by customizing the ingredients to suit your tastes. Happy cooking!