Easy Tortilla Chip Mexican Casserole (Ground Beef or Turkey!)

This easy-to-prepare Mexican Casserole is made with crushed tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef (or turkey!), chopped tomatoes and green onion, chili beans, and healthy salsa. Each layer of this dish is oozing with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Tortilla chip Mexican casserole on a white plate.

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If you’re a busy mom or someone who’s always on the move, this Mexican Casserole is perfect for you. Say goodbye to takeout on busy weeknights! Make this tortilla chip Mexican casserole, and you’ll have a hearty, filling meal in no time.

The dish includes crushed tortilla chips and melted cheddar cheese, which both kids and adults will enjoy! The casserole is made with ground meat (either beef or turkey) and fresh vegetables, as well as a healthy salsa. Toss all of these ingredients together in a casserole and put it in the oven, and you’ll have the finest meal for the whole family. No blood and sweat required!

Table of Contents

Why you should make this Tortilla Chip Mexican Casserole

This Mexican dish is perfect for people who are still learning their way in the kitchen. A few simple ingredients are needed for this dish. Plus, following the recipe is a breeze.
The Mexican Tortilla Casserole with Tortilla Chips has all the different textures you are looking for in a good casserole!
If you are a busy parent, this Tortilla Chip Casserole is perfect for you. The ingredients are convenient to prepare. Everything about the preparation is straightforward, and you’ll have plenty of time to set the table or do other stuff while the dish is baking.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Enchilada Pie Casserole

What You Need To Make This Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe

Ingredients for Tortilla Chip Mexican Casserole sitting on a marbled countertop.

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is pretty flexible. If you do not like beef or turkey, you can opt to have it with ground pork or chicken.
You may also top your dish with a heaping spoonful of guacamole to amp up the flavor.
If you want to beef up your Tortilla Casserole even more, throw a tiny layer of Mexican rice in the casserole before baking it. This recipe would also taste good, including fire roasted tomatoes, maize, bell peppers, and cilantro.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Mexican Casserole

Collage of cooking Tortilla Chip Mexican Casserole.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cook ground meat, drain (Photo 1)
Stir in salsa and cook for about 15-20 minutes (Photos 2 & 3)
Add in beans and cook until hot; turn off heat (Photo 4)

Collage of creating Tortilla Chip Mexican Casserole.

Prepare a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick spray
Evenly layer in crushed tortilla chips (Photo 5)
Spoon meat mixture over chips (Photo 6)

Collage of assembling Tortilla Chip Mexican Casserole.

Spread on the sour cream (Photo 7)
Sprinkle on olives, green onion, tomatoes (Photo 8)
Cover with cheese (Photo 9)
Bake 30-35 minutes until bubbly (Photo 10)

Tortilla Chip Mexican Casserole with a wooden spoon on the side.

Storage

Refrigerate leftover casserole for 3-4 days. Carefully wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap or foil, or Place them in an airtight container.· Casseroles are usually a nice meal to prepare ahead of time! Make the casserole as recommended, but instead of baking it, wrap it in foil and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake it, take the casserole out of the freezer the day before you want to eat it, and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as indicated in the recipe instructions.

Tips

To prevent a soupy casserole, be sure to drain the cooked ground meat and the can of chili beans. Tomatoes should be patted dry and squeezed to remove any remaining moisture.
If you want to freeze your Mexican Casserole, you may want to use a disposable foil pan for assembly and storage. Allow the cooked dish to cool at room temperature for about an hour before covering and chilling in the fridge overnight.

A fork with Tortilla Chip Mexican with ground meat.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this Mexican Casserole spicier?

You can make it spicier by adding some chopped jalapeños. These chiles will add the heat and zing you need to your Beef or Turkey Mexican Casserole. Another option is adding some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to this casserole.

Can I make this Mexican Casserole vegan?

You certainly can! Vegan cheese can be substituted for cheddar. You can substitute fried finely chopped tofu and mushrooms for the meat.

What’s the best salsa to use for this recipe?

Personally, I prefer homemade salsa to store-bought. If you don’t feel up to making your salsa from scratch, get one from the produce section instead for the dry section of the grocery store.

More Mexican Inspired Recipes You May Enjoy

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A plate of Tortilla Chip Mexican with ground meat sitting on a cloth.

4 from 5 votes