Description
Cheesy Mexican Chicken Casserole brings together zesty flavors and hearty ingredients that your family will absolutely devour at dinnertime. Packed with tender chicken, melted cheese, and bold spices, this casserole delivers a satisfying meal that feels like a warm culinary hug straight from the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (diced with chilies)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
Cheese and Tortilla Components:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 small tortillas (flour or corn, cut into quarters)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Extra sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Your dish is about to get deliciously cheesy.
- Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat when done.
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp taco seasoning into the meat and pour ½ cup water. Simmer this mixture for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces.
- Grab a mixing bowl and combine 1 can Rotel tomatoes, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, and ½ cup sour cream. Whisk until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of the creamy mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange 6 quartered tortillas to completely cover the dish’s bottom, creating your first layer of comfort.
- Distribute half the seasoned beef across the tortilla layer, followed by half the creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups cheddar and 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese over this layer.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining beef, creamy mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove foil and continue baking 10 more minutes until cheese melts completely and edges bubble.
- Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes before serving. Top with optional green onions, cilantro, or diced avocado.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or black beans to customize protein preferences.
- Opt for low-fat cheese and reduced-sodium soup versions to make the casserole lighter and healthier.
- Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking so layers set and cutting becomes easier without falling apart.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use corn tortillas and check that soup brands are gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 459 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg