Spicy Mexican Casserole Bake
Looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that brings together all the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine in one dish? Look no further than this Spicy Mexican Casserole Bake. It combines savory ingredients like seasoned beef, spicy green chilies, and creamy soups, layered over a bed of crispy tortilla chips. This casserole is a perfect blend of textures and flavors—cheesy, spicy, and satisfying!
Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a game day, hosting a family dinner, or just craving a comforting and easy-to-make dish, this Spicy Mexican Casserole Bake has got you covered. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that requires minimal prep and maximum flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious casserole that will surely become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
Main Casserole Ingredients:
1 medium onion, diced
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips, crushed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra spice, optional)
For Serving:
Sour cream (optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Salsa (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Prepare your casserole dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Season the onions: Add the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the sautéed onions. Stir for about 30 seconds, just long enough to bloom the spices and release their aromatic oils.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Mix the soups and tomatoes: In a large bowl, combine the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Add the beans and corn: To the soup mixture, add the drained and rinsed black beans and the drained corn. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a thick, hearty filling.
Incorporate the sautéed onion: Add the sautéed onion and spice mixture to the bowl with the soup, beans, and corn. Mix everything together, making sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the tortilla chips: Take your bag of crushed tortilla chips and spread them evenly over the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. The crushed chips will form the base of your casserole and give it that delightful crunch.
Spread the casserole mixture: Pour the soup, bean, and corn mixture over the crushed tortilla chips, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred Mexican cheese blend) generously on top of the casserole, covering the mixture completely.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. You should see the cheese turning golden and the edges becoming slightly crispy.
Check for doneness: If you prefer the top of the casserole to be extra crispy, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, but be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove from the oven: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up slightly and makes it easier to cut into squares or scoop out portions.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, top each portion with your favorite garnishes, such as sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a wedge of lime. You can also serve this casserole with a side of salsa for extra flavor.
Tips and Variations for Success
Add Ground Meat: If you’d like to add some meat to your casserole, you can easily incorporate ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken. Brown the meat and season it with the same spices as the onions before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Use Different Beans: While black beans are traditional, you can swap them out for other types of beans, such as pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans for a different texture and flavor profile.
Make it Spicier: If you like a little more heat, try adding diced jalapeños or chopped green chilies to the mixture, or add a dash of hot sauce before baking.
Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply leave out the meat (if using) and ensure that the soup is meat-free. This casserole is naturally gluten-free (just double-check the soup and chip brands).
Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is the go-to for this casserole, you can experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for even more flavor.
Meal Prep and Storage
Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. After assembling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then bake as directed.
Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold as a flavorful dip!
Conclusion
This Spicy Mexican Casserole Bake is the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight or a family gathering. With layers of crunchy tortilla chips, creamy soup, hearty beans, and melty cheese, it’s a flavor-packed dish that everyone will love. Whether you make it just as it is or with your favorite tweaks, this casserole will always be a hit.
So, the next time you’re craving a cozy, Mexican-inspired meal, reach for this recipe and let the bold flavors of the Southwest fill your kitchen and your stomach. Enjoy!