Easy Mexican Casserole

Mexican Casserole

🌮 Mexican Casserole — Cheesy, Hearty, and Crowd‑Approved

If comfort food and fiesta food had a love child, this would be it.

 

Some dinners are quick. Some dinners are cozy. But Mexican Casserole? She’s both — and she’s showing up in full color. Think layers of seasoned beef, salsa, beans, noodles (yes, noodles — trust me, it works), and enough cheddar cheese to make your heart sing. It’s hearty, it’s zesty, and it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table lean back and say, “Okay, I need seconds.”

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want to feed a hungry crew without breaking a sweat. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable — you can make it mild, spicy, veggie‑packed, or extra cheesy depending on your mood.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “casseroles are lifesavers” or team “I only make them for potlucks”?

My 20 year old daughter has been sending me pictures of recipes that are drool worthy.  When I saw this one, I could tell why she loved it……cheese! I wasn’t sure that we would love this because it seemed weird to have egg noodles with Mexican ingredients, but it works! It really does work!

 

 

🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun

• Ground Beef: Protein powerhouse.
• Beans: Fiber + plant protein.
• Corn: Sweet crunch + vitamin C.
• Cheddar Cheese: Calcium + melty happiness.
• Salsa: Veggies in disguise.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you count salsa as a vegetable serving, or is that just me justifying extra scoops?

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips for Casserole Success

• Drain Well: Beans and corn should be drained to avoid soggy casserole.
• Noodle Trick: Cook noodles al dente — they’ll soften more in the oven.
• Cheese Layers: Mix some cheese into the casserole and save the rest for the top.
• Spice Level: Use hot salsa or add jalapeños if your crew loves heat.
• Make Ahead: Assemble casserole earlier in the day, refrigerate, then bake before dinner.

🔄 Recipe Variations

• Chicken Casserole: Swap beef for shredded chicken.
• Veggie Lovers: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Tex‑Mex Twist: Use tortilla chips instead of noodles.
• Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs and chorizo.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess.

💬 Reader prompt: Which version would your family devour first — chicken, veggie, or Tex‑Mex?

🧒 Kid Tips

• Keep spice level mild for picky eaters.
• Let kids sprinkle cheese on top (aka edible confetti).
• Serve with tortilla chips for dipping fun.
• Make mini casseroles in ramekins for kid‑sized portions.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

• Ground Beef Saver: Buy in bulk, portion, and freeze.
• Cheese Hack: Shred your own — it melts better than pre‑shredded.
• Salsa Shortcut: Use store‑brand salsa to save money.
• Noodle Swap: Use whatever pasta you have on hand — penne, rotini, even shells.

🎯 Reader Challenge

This week, I challenge you to make Mexican Casserole and share it with someone who needs a little comfort food fiesta. Bonus points if you try one of the variations! Post your creation with #LouLouGirlsMexicanCasserole so we can all drool together and swap ideas.

🥪 Leftover Remix

• Mexican Casserole Nachos: Spoon leftovers over tortilla chips, add jalapeños and sour cream.
• Mexican Casserole Quesadillas: Sandwich filling between tortillas with cheese.
• Mexican Casserole Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with leftovers and bake.
• Mexican Casserole Soup: Add broth and simmer for a hearty soup.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you dare turn casserole into soup, or is that too wild?

 

 

Mexican Casserole

Print

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• (1) (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
• 1 jar mild, chunky salsa
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 3 ½ cups cooked egg noodles
• (1) (15.25 oz) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup taco sauce
• 1 (1.25 oz) package taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 4 to 5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 325 degrees
2. In a skillet, add and cook ground beef over medium heat until evenly brown. Drain.
3. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine beef, corn, salsa, olives, cooked noodles, beans, taco sauce, seasoning mix, and tomato sauce. Stir in 2 cups of the cheese, and then sprinkle the rest on top.
4. Bake for ½ hour and uncovered until thoroughly cook in the preheated oven.

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)

• Calories: ~420
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbs: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 24g

💡 Note: Calories vary depending on how much cheese you pile on top (and let’s be honest, we all go heavy).

💭 Final Thoughts

This Mexican Casserole is proof that weeknight dinners can be both easy and exciting. With cheesy topping, hearty filling, and endless variations, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone happy.

It’s also endlessly adaptable. You can keep it classic, go veggie, or even turn it into breakfast. And because it’s so easy, it’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners.

Here’s the thing about casseroles — they’re never just dinner. They’re comfort, convenience, and connection all in one pan. They’re the sizzle of beef in the skillet, the smell of cheese bubbling in the oven, and the sound of happy chatter as everyone digs in.

And this Mexican casserole? It’s a little extra special. It’s hearty, it’s cheesy, and it’s guaranteed to make you the star of any table. It’s the kind of meal that makes people pause mid‑bite and say, “Wow, this is good.”

But here’s what I love most: it’s a recipe that invites creativity. You can swap proteins, add veggies, spice it up, or keep it mild. It’s forgiving, flexible, and fun — just like the best kind of kitchen adventures.

So here’s my challenge to you: bake it, share it, and tell me your twist. Did you go chicken? Did you sneak in jalapeños? Did you eat a scoop straight from the skillet before serving? (No judgment — I’ve been there.) Snap a pic, post it, and tag it so we can all drool together.

💬 Reader prompt: Should we do a “Casserole Series” next? I’m dreaming up enchilada casserole, tater tot casserole, and maybe even a pizza casserole.

Until then, may your noodles be tender, your cheese melty, your salsa zesty, and your kitchen full of laughter, love, and second helpings. Because at the end of the day, food isn’t just about filling our bellies — it’s about filling our lives with joy, connection, and a little sparkle. And this casserole? It’s ready to do all three.

Did you try our easy Mexican Casserole recipe? What did you think? Did you love it? We would love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below or tag us on Instagram!

 

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