Introduction: Can a Flavorful, Cheesy Casserole Be Ready with Minimal Ingredients?
Craving a hearty, Tex-Mex-inspired dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors? Mexican Casserole combines tender chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and zesty salsa, topped with melted Mexican cheese and crunchy tortilla chips. This recipe yields 5 servings, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering. Ready to bake a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Overview: Why Mexican Casserole Shines
Mexican Casserole is loved for its bold flavors, simple preparation, and satisfying texture. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 25 minutes cooking, totaling approximately 40 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires sautéing, mixing, and baking, ideal for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: The combination of taco-seasoned chicken, hearty beans, and melty cheese with a crunchy tortilla chip topping delivers Tex-Mex comfort in every bite. This recipe serves 5, great for small families or leftovers.
Perfect with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Essential Ingredients
Mexican Casserole uses pantry-friendly ingredients for a flavorful, hearty result. Here’s what you’ll need for 5 servings:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing chicken.
- ¾ pound cubed skinless, boneless chicken breast: Provides lean, tender protein.
- ½ (1.25-ounce) package taco seasoning mix: Adds bold Tex-Mex flavor.
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Contributes hearty texture and protein.
- 1 (8.75-ounce) can sweet corn, drained: Adds sweet, juicy bites.
- ¼ cup salsa: Brings zesty, spicy flavor.
- Water as needed: Prevents drying during simmering.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese: Delivers melty, cheesy goodness.
- 1 ½ cups crushed plain tortilla chips: Adds crunchy texture.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken and Taco Seasoning: Create a savory, spiced protein base.
- Black Beans and Corn: Add heartiness and complementary textures.
- Salsa: Provides bold, tangy flavor.
- Cheese and Tortilla Chips: Offer creamy and crunchy finishes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetable Oil: Swap with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Chicken Breast: Use ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian.
- Taco Seasoning: Make your own with 1 teaspoon each chili powder, cumin, and paprika, plus ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Black Beans: Replace with pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans.
- Sweet Corn: Use frozen corn (thawed) or fresh corn kernels (1 cup).
- Salsa: Swap with enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, or homemade salsa.
- Mexican-Style Cheese: Substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a vegan cheese blend.
- Tortilla Chips: Use crushed corn chips, Doritos, or crumbled taco shells.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based protein, vegan cheese, and vegan-friendly salsa.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips and confirm salsa and taco seasoning are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Mexican Casserole: Add 1 diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne with the salsa.
- Cheesy Mexican Casserole: Increase cheese to 1 ½ cups or add ¼ cup cream cheese to the mixture.
- Veggie Mexican Casserole: Include ½ cup diced bell peppers or zucchini with the beans.
- Creamy Mexican Casserole: Mix in ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking.
- Southwest Casserole: Add ½ teaspoon cumin and ¼ cup chopped cilantro to the mixture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Mexican Casserole is a quick, two-step process that yields a flavorful, comforting dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, ¾ pound chicken breast, ½ package taco seasoning, 1 can black beans, 1 can sweet corn, ¼ cup salsa, water, 1 cup Mexican cheese, 1 ½ cups tortilla chips.
- Cube chicken, rinse and drain black beans, drain corn, crush tortilla chips.
Tip: Cube chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking; use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
Step 2: Cook Chicken Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
- Add ¾ pound cubed chicken breast; sauté until cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in ½ package taco seasoning, 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, 1 (8.75-ounce) can sweet corn, ¼ cup salsa, and a splash of water (1-2 tablespoons) to prevent drying.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Stir frequently to blend flavors; add water sparingly to maintain a thick consistency.
Step 3: Assemble Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish; spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded Mexican-style cheese, then top with 1 ½ cups crushed tortilla chips.
Tip: Spread the mixture evenly for consistent baking; crush chips to a coarse texture for better coverage.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheese; bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes more.
Tip: Check at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking; broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden cheese topping if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, about 1 cup per serving, with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or extra salsa.
Tip: Scoop with a large spoon for neat portions; serve with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Mexican Casserole
Making Mexican Casserole is all about creating a hearty, flavorful dish. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Chicken Mixture: Spicy, savory base with beans and corn.
- Salsa: Adds zesty, tangy depth.
- Cheese: Melty, gooey layer for richness.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy topping for texture.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in the baking dish for a rustic look or portion onto plates with a garnish of cilantro or green onions.
- Pair with holiday dishes like easy 5-ingredient chili or roasted fall vegetable salad for a festive spread.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or sliced jalapeños for extra flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Mexican Casserole is great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers; note that chips may soften.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep chicken mixture up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Assemble casserole (without chips) up to 1 day ahead; add chips and bake fresh.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, covered, or microwave in 1-minute bursts until hot. Add fresh tortilla chips on top after reheating for crunch.
- Tip: Freeze without chips to maintain texture; add fresh chips when serving leftovers.
Recipe Variations
Mexican Casserole is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Mexican Casserole: Add 1 tablespoon hot sauce or diced green chilies to the chicken mixture.
- Vegan Mexican Casserole: Use plant-based protein and vegan cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips and confirm salsa and taco seasoning are gluten-free.
- Cheesy Enchilada Casserole: Replace salsa with enchilada sauce and add ½ cup extra cheese.
- Fiesta Casserole: Mix in ½ cup diced tomatoes and ¼ cup chopped olives before baking.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 5 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal (varies with cheese and chips).
- Protein: High, from chicken and beans.
- Fat: Moderate, from cheese and oil.
- Carbs: Moderate, from beans, corn, and chips.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Bold, Cheesy Bliss!
Mexican Casserole is the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food, blending spicy chicken, hearty beans, and melty cheese with a crunchy tortilla chip topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. So, grab your skillet and baking dish, whip up this flavorful casserole, and enjoy a taste of fiesta. We’d love to hear how your casserole turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Mexican Casserole
Description
Craving a hearty, Tex-Mex-inspired dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors? Mexican Casserole combines tender chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and zesty salsa, topped with melted Mexican cheese and crunchy tortilla chips
Ingredients
Mexican Casserole uses pantry-friendly ingredients for a flavorful, hearty result. Here’s what you’ll need for 5 servings:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing chicken.
- ¾ pound cubed skinless, boneless chicken breast: Provides lean, tender protein.
- ½ (1.25-ounce) package taco seasoning mix: Adds bold Tex-Mex flavor.
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Contributes hearty texture and protein.
- 1 (8.75-ounce) can sweet corn, drained: Adds sweet, juicy bites.
- ¼ cup salsa: Brings zesty, spicy flavor.
- Water as needed: Prevents drying during simmering.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese: Delivers melty, cheesy goodness.
- 1 ½ cups crushed plain tortilla chips: Adds crunchy texture.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken and Taco Seasoning: Create a savory, spiced protein base.
- Black Beans and Corn: Add heartiness and complementary textures.
- Salsa: Provides bold, tangy flavor.
- Cheese and Tortilla Chips: Offer creamy and crunchy finishes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetable Oil: Swap with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Chicken Breast: Use ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian.
- Taco Seasoning: Make your own with 1 teaspoon each chili powder, cumin, and paprika, plus ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Black Beans: Replace with pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans.
- Sweet Corn: Use frozen corn (thawed) or fresh corn kernels (1 cup).
- Salsa: Swap with enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, or homemade salsa.
- Mexican-Style Cheese: Substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a vegan cheese blend.
- Tortilla Chips: Use crushed corn chips, Doritos, or crumbled taco shells.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based protein, vegan cheese, and vegan-friendly salsa.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips and confirm salsa and taco seasoning are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Mexican Casserole: Add 1 diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne with the salsa.
- Cheesy Mexican Casserole: Increase cheese to 1 ½ cups or add ¼ cup cream cheese to the mixture.
- Veggie Mexican Casserole: Include ½ cup diced bell peppers or zucchini with the beans.
- Creamy Mexican Casserole: Mix in ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking.
- Southwest Casserole: Add ½ teaspoon cumin and ¼ cup chopped cilantro to the mixture
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, ¾ pound chicken breast, ½ package taco seasoning, 1 can black beans, 1 can sweet corn, ¼ cup salsa, water, 1 cup Mexican cheese, 1 ½ cups tortilla chips.
- Cube chicken, rinse and drain black beans, drain corn, crush tortilla chips.
Tip: Cube chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking; use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
Step 2: Cook Chicken Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
- Add ¾ pound cubed chicken breast; sauté until cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in ½ package taco seasoning, 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, 1 (8.75-ounce) can sweet corn, ¼ cup salsa, and a splash of water (1-2 tablespoons) to prevent drying.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Stir frequently to blend flavors; add water sparingly to maintain a thick consistency.
Step 3: Assemble Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish; spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded Mexican-style cheese, then top with 1 ½ cups crushed tortilla chips.
Tip: Spread the mixture evenly for consistent baking; crush chips to a coarse texture for better coverage.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheese; bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes more.
Tip: Check at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking; broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden cheese topping if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, about 1 cup per serving, with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or extra salsa.
Tip: Scoop with a large spoon for neat portions; serve with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad.
FAQs
1. Why is my casserole dry?
Insufficient water or salsa can cause this; add an extra 2-3 tablespoons water or salsa during simmering.
2. Can I use raw chicken?
Cook chicken fully before mixing to ensure safety; raw chicken won’t cook through in the oven stage.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortilla chips and confirm salsa and taco seasoning are gluten-free.
4. Why are my chips soggy?
Adding chips too early or using a wet mixture can cause this; add chips just before baking and ensure mixture isn’t overly watery.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Prep chicken mixture ahead; assemble and bake fresh for the best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Chicken and beans provide protein and fiber; moderate in fat, enjoy with veggie sides for balance.