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Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef, Corn, and Cheddar

Easy Mexican Casserole

A hearty Tex-Mex casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, corn, tomatoes with green chiles, black olives, tortilla chips, and melted Cheddar cheese. It is a simple 35 to 45-minute meal that is especially satisfying when served hot from the oven.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Lean ground beef
  • 1 1-ounce packet Taco seasoning mix
  • 1 15-ounce can Refried beans
  • 1 15-ounce can Whole-kernel corn, drained
  • 1 10-ounce can Diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
  • 1 2.25-ounce can Sliced black olives, drained
  • 1 12-ounce package Tortilla chips
  • 1 8-ounce package Shredded Cheddar cheese

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain away excess fat thoroughly.
  3. Stir the taco seasoning into the cooked beef with the small amount of water called for on the seasoning packet. Simmer or stir according to the packet directions until the beef is evenly coated.
  4. Arrange a layer of sturdy tortilla chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Layer the seasoned beef, refried beans, drained corn, undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, and drained black olives over the tortilla chips.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar evenly over the entire casserole so the cheese melts across the ingredients.
  7. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, until it is hot throughout and the cheese is melted with lightly browned spots.
  8. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the layers settle and makes the dish easier to scoop.

Notes

Drain the beef well to prevent a greasy or watery casserole. Use sturdy tortilla chips and serve soon after baking for a firmer chip layer. Sour cream, salsa, or chopped green onion may be added after baking if desired.