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Sour cream
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Cream of chicken soup
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Chili powder
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Cumin
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Salt and pepper
Mix until smooth and well blended. This creamy base is what binds the casserole together.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
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Bottom Layer:
Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly in the baking dish. -
Protein Layer:
Add half of the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. -
Sauce & Cheese:
Spoon half of the creamy mixture over the top and sprinkle with cheese. -
Repeat:
Add the remaining chips, chicken mixture, sauce, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with jalapeños, cilantro, or fresh tomatoes if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Casserole
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Don’t over-crush the chips – leave some texture for bite.
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Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
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Shred your own cheese for better melting.
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Let it rest before slicing so layers hold together.
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Add toppings after baking to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Variations You’ll Love
🌮 Beef Mexican Casserole
Swap chicken for 1 pound cooked ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning.
🌶 Spicy Version
Add:
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Extra jalapeños
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Hot Rotel tomatoes
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A dash of cayenne or chipotle powder
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Use 3–4 cups of cheese and add a layer of cream cheese dollops.
🌱 Vegetarian Option
Replace chicken with:
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Extra beans
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Sautéed bell peppers and onions
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Zucchini or mushrooms
🥑 Tex-Mex Style
Top with avocado slices, guacamole, and pico de gallo after baking.
What to Serve with Mexican Casserole
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with:
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Simple green salad
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Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
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Refried beans
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Fresh salsa and tortilla chips
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Cold drinks like iced tea or agua fresca
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make Ahead
Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Storage
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days
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Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months
Reheating
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Oven: 350°F until warmed through
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Microwave: Individual portions reheat beautifully
Why This Recipe Works for SEO & Home Cooks
This Mexican Casserole recipe consistently ranks as a top search because it combines:
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Affordable ingredients
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Minimal prep
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Familiar Tex-Mex flavors
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One-pan convenience
It’s the kind of recipe readers save, share, and make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plain tortilla chips?
Yes! Nacho-flavored chips add extra seasoning, but plain chips work perfectly.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—just ensure your soup and chips are certified gluten-free.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Layer ingredients and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal: cheesy, hearty, flexible, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a potluck, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every time.
Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a regular request at your table.
👉 Save it, share it, and don’t forget to tell me how you customized yours! 🌮🧀🔥
