Mexican Beef Casserole

            This is a must plan meal for this week at our house and it should be at your house also! This is one of those dishes that you likely have all the ingredients at home already. So it is a quick throw together after a busy day. If you have brown rice, black beans, tomatoes and ground beef, you are about set. The Mexican Casserole is filled with cheese, delicious flavors and all kinds of yum!

            This recipe calls for Tortilla chips, but you could serve this as a tortilla bowl or enjoy it burrito style. You get the same great taste and are filled up with a hearty meal. When serving in a Tortilla bowl, you can add in all your favorite ingredients, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. This can also be made with shredded chicken if you have some leftovers from the night before.

You could also make it a vegan meal by eliminating the ground beef and adding some pinto beans instead.

            Prepare a batch of Margaritas right before serving, and let your guests enjoy a complete Mexican type meal and drinks. Just the adults, the kids can have virgin Margaritas.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store the rice and meat separately in airtight containers, in the refrigerator.

            How long can I store this?

You can store in airtight containers, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

            Can I freeze this?

You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months in the freezer.

            How do I reheat leftovers?

Put the food into a baking dish with a little broth and place in preheated oven, 350*. For 35 to 40 minutes. You could also reheat this dish in the microwave. Add a little broth if using the microwave, to keep the food from drying out.

What do you need to make Mexican Beef Casserole

            10 to 12 ounce bag of Tortilla chips

            1 pound lean ground beef

            1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

            1 can rotel tomatoes with chilis

            1 small onion chopped

            1 can cream of chicken soup

            ½ cup water

            1 package taco seasoning

            2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded

            Sour cream and salsa for garnish

How to make Mexican Beef Casserole

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 325*

Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, drain off the grease

SECOND STEP:

Add in the black beans, tomatoes, taco seasoning, the cream of chicken soup and the water.

Stir to combine and mix well

THIRD STEP:

Simmer for 15 minutes to heat everything thoroughly

Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish

FOURTH STEP:

Layer the bottom with lightly crushed tortilla chips

Spoon half of the meat mixture over the chips

FIFTH STEP:

Sprinkle with half the cheese

Lay down another layer of the tortilla chips

SIXTH STEP:

Spoon the remaining meat and bean mixture over the chips

Sprinkle with the remaining shredded Cheddar Cheese

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b)

c)

SEVENTH STEP:

Cover with Aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly

Let sit on stove for 5 minutes before serving

Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Enjoy!